Grilled Clams with Garlic Butter is an easy-to-make seafood dinner recipe that combines the natural sweetness of fresh clams with the rich flavors of garlic and butter.
Grilling clams brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful smokiness that is perfect for backyard gatherings or casual dinners.
Serve your grilled clams with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these clams are sure to impress your guests and become a summer favorite.
How Do I Clean Clams?
The first step and an important part of the recipe is to clean clams. If possible, buy the clams on the day you plan to grill them.
Soak them in cold, fresh water in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal for 20 minutes. The sand that’s stuck inside the shells will spit out when they’re done!
It’s important to keep the clams cold throughout the cleaning process and to discard any open clams or have a foul odor.
How to Cook Clams on the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place an 8-inch cast iron skillet on the grill grates with the butter inside.
During the butter melting process, once the grill heats up, place clams on the grate.
Close the lid on the grill and leave it closed. It doesn’t need babysitting and the process works better when the lid isn’t lifted multiple times throughout.
Allow them to cook for 15 minutes or until the clams pop open. The clams may not pop open super wide, they may just crack open a little, but they’re still finished so don’t overcook them.
Once the clams are finished, place them in a serving bowl, spoon butter mixture over the top, and squeeze the lemon wedges over the contents of the bowl.
What to Serve with Grilled Clams
Here are some great options that complement the flavors of the grilled clams:
- Crusty baguette or homemade sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, for a balanced meal.
- A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the clams.
- Serve rice or pasta alongside to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and texture.
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with seafood.
How long do cooked clams last in the fridge?
Cooked clams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to store them in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
Make sure the clams are cooled to room temperature before refrigerating them, and discard any clams that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always reheat cooked clams thoroughly before serving again.
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Grilled Clams with Garlic Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 Clams
- 1 Stick of Salted Butter (½ cup)
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Parsley
- 2 Lemon Wedges
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium/high and place an 8-inch cast iron skillet on the grate with the butter inside.
Allow the butter to melt before adding the garlic and parsley and stirring well. Leave on the grates throughout the cooking process.
During the butter melting process, once the grill heats up, place the clams on the grate. Allow them to cook for 15 minutes or until the clams pop open.
Once the clams are finished, place them in a serving bowl, pour the butter sauce over the top, and squeeze the lemon wedges over the contents of the bowl. Enjoy!
Notes
What to Serve with Clams?
Serve clams with a light, refreshing dish to brighten up their delicate flavor. Clams are often served with linguine in a white wine and garlic sauce, but they can really be paired with just about anything.
If you're looking for something a little different, try serving them with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or even a simple green salad.
What Type of Wine is Best to Pair with Grilled Clams?
While there are many different types of wine that pair well with grilled clams, a dry white wine is always a good choice. For example, a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are both great options.
What Kind of Clams are Best to Grill?
There are a few different types of clams that are good for grilling, but in our opinion, the best clams to grill are littleneck or cherrystone clams.
How Long Do Cooked Clams Last in the Fridge?
Cooked clams can last in the fridge for up to three days. Once they've been cooked, it's important to keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. If the container is not airtight, the clams will spoil quickly.
How To Tell If Clams Are Bad?
Clams are delicious seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. But how do you know if they're fresh and not bad? Here are a few tips:
First, take a look at the shell. The shell of live clams should be tightly closed. Open clams are probably not fresh. Second, give it a smell test. If it smells fishy or off, it's probably not fresh. Third, touch it. A fresh clam should be firm to the touch, not slimy.
Jackie
Saturday 27th of May 2023
This looks delicious and so easy! Will definitely be trying it this summer!