These 5 Clam-Free Recipes Reimagine New England Classics

While shrimp is consistently the most popular type of shellfish in the US, clams are following pretty close behind. According to seafood-focused media outlet IntraFish, in 2018, for example, clams were in the top 10 species of seafood consumed by Americans. Another annual list from the National Fisheries Institute also placed clams in the top 10 in 2020 and then again in 2021. So it’s safe to say that clams are a big deal in the US. 

Particularly popular in New England, clams are typically fried or baked. Other times, they’re steamed and served with butter. And often, they’re served in chowder. But it is possible to get the same taste and texture of clam dishes without eating, well, actual clams. Need proof? Find it below in some of our favorite vegan clam recipes.

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Are clams healthy to eat?

America’s appetite for clams does come with some health benefits. Clams are a source of lean protein, and they also contain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. But clams are not a perfect source of nutrition. Like many types of shellfish, clams can absorb pollutants from the ocean.

In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration warned that tests had shown canned clams from China had high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as forever chemicals due to the time they take to break down.

“Eating a single serving of these clams is like drinking months and months worth of contaminated water,” says David Andrews, senior scientist at Environmental Working Group, told Bloomberg.

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And because of their ability to absorb pollutants, shellfish like clams tend to present a higher risk of food poisoning. Like oysters, undercooked clams can carry vibrio bacteria, which may cause intestinal diseases if consumed. If sourced from contaminated waters, clams can also carry hepatitis A and norovirus.

The best way to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases is to ensure that clams are cooked correctly and sourced from fresh, clean water. Alternatively, you could choose plant-based clams.

What is a plant-based alternative to clams?

Many different plant-based ingredients can mimic the taste and texture of clams. Mushrooms (particularly oyster mushrooms) have thick, chewy stems, similar to seafood. Hearts of palm, jackfruit, and artichoke hearts also have a tender shellfish-like texture, and when cooked with ingredients like brine and seaweed, have that signature fishy taste, too.

Find out more about how to take simple plant-based ingredients and transform them into a delicious vegan clam dish below—from linguine to chowder to strips.

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5 vegan clam recipes

1 Linguine With Vegan White Clam Sauce

This recipe from the Vegan Pasta Night cookbook swaps clams for tender brined jackfruit and mixes it with nori seaweed for that ocean flavor. The jackfruit is paired with hearty linguine, zesty lemon, dry white wine, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and vegan butter for a truly indulgent pasta dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
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Sweet Simple Vegan

2 Vegan Clam Chowder With Oyster Mushrooms

Clam chowder likely originated in European fishing villages before making its way to New England, where to this day, it is considered a classic, traditional dish. It’s particularly popular in Boston, where it was first served in the early 1800s. But times have changed considerably since the 19th century, of course, and now, you can make a delicious clam chowder without clams. In this recipe, Jasmine Briones of Sweet Simple Vegan creates a delicious creamy version of the thick soup with ingredients like oyster mushrooms and dairy-free milk.
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BitterSweet

3 Vegan Baked Clams

If you’re a fan of baked clams—which were first popular with New England’s Portuguese and Italian communities—there’s more good news: Shiitake mushrooms can help you create a delicious plant-based version of the dish with all the same delicious texture and taste. For proof, just check out this recipe from Hannah Kaminsky of BitterSweet. “Tender, briny, and oceanic, these baked clams are every bit as rich and luxurious as the classic Italian delicacy, but without a trace of seafood,” Kaminsky says.
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Wicked Kitchen

4 Fried Vegan Clam Rolls

Fried clams are another New England staple, but once again, mushrooms can easily be used to create the same mouthfeel. In this recipe, Rebecca McGuinness (who co-owns London vegan fast-food chain Temple of Seitan) creates mouthwateringly good vegan fried clams for Wicked Kitchen using a mix of brown oyster mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, and Old Bay seasoning.
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86 Eats

5 Vegan Clam Strips

This recipe for clam strips from 86 Eats lets the mushrooms have a well-deserved rest. Instead, recipe creator Kat Ott lets soy curls take the spotlight. They’re perfectly chewy and tender, and thanks to Old Bay seasoning, they taste very similar to the seafood favorite. “These vegan clam strips are crispy, chewy, and delicious,” says Ott. “The best part is how darn easy they are to make. Just soak, coat, fry, and eat.”
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