Smoky Grilled Florida Clams with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter

There is something truly magical about grilling shellfish over an open fire. The way the high heat opens the clams to reveal their tender meat, perfectly poised to soak up a savory sauce, is a culinary experience like no other. This recipe for Grilled Florida Clams elevates fresh seafood with a rich, tangy sun-dried tomato butter that balances the natural salinity of the ocean. Cooking this on an Arteflame grill allows you to sear the ingredients on the plancha while the clams steam in their own juices near the center grate. It is a dish that feels upscale but is incredibly simple to execute, bringing a taste of the Florida coast right to your backyard. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a quiet dinner al fresco, these clams are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients

The Clams

• 2 to 3 dozen Florida Littleneck or Middleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
• 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French baguette, sliced

Sun-Dried Tomato Butter

• 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Clams

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop (plancha) and a hotter zone near the center.
2. While the grill heats, ensure your clams are thoroughly cleaned. Discard any clams that are cracked or remain open when tapped. Soaking them in cold salted water for 20 minutes beforehand helps purge any sand.

Step 2: Create the Aromatic Base

1. Place a cast-iron skillet or heat-safe pan directly on the flat cooktop surface. Add a tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar or a pat of butter.
2. Add the diced shallots and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for about 2 minutes until the aromatics are soft.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the white wine and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer until the butter is fully melted and the sauce has emulsified slightly.
2. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Move the skillet to a cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm but not boiling.

Step 4: Grill the Clams

1. Place the clams directly on the flat cooktop plancha or the center grill grate. If using the flat top, you can arrange them in a circle around the fire.
2. Close the lid if you have one, or simply wait. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the clams with tongs immediately as they pop open. Discard any that refuse to open after 10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Transfer the opened clams into a large serving bowl. Pour the warm sun-dried tomato butter sauce over the clams, tossing gently to coat the meat and fill the shells.
2. Garnish generously with fresh parsley. Toast your bread slices on the grill for a minute per side and serve immediately alongside the clams for dipping.

Tips

Success with grilled shellfish comes down to freshness and timing. Before you even light the fire, inspect your clams carefully. If any shells are cracked or open (and don't close when tapped), discard them immediately as they are no longer alive. When cooking on your Arteflame, utilize the heat zones effectively. The center is hottest, perfect for getting that initial sizzle on the garlic and shallots, while the outer ring provides a gentle warmth to keep the butter luscious without burning or separating. Be careful not to overcook the clams; they become rubbery and tough if left on the heat too long. As soon as they pop open, they are ready to eat. Also, if you do not have a skillet, you can make a foil packet to melt the butter sauce, or simply cook the sauce ingredients directly on the flat top and slide the opened clams into the mixture to coat them.

Variations

While the sun-dried tomato profile offers a sweet and tart richness, this base recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match your mood or whatever ingredients you have on hand in your pantry. The Arteflame’s versatility means you can sear savory meats or char vegetables right alongside the shellfish to incorporate different textures. If you prefer a bit of heat, introduce spicy elements to the butter mixture. For a classic French twist, you can lean into herbal notes. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced Calabrian chilies or sliced jalapeños to the butter sauté.
• Herbal Freshness: Swap parsley for fresh basil, tarragon, and oregano for a garden-fresh taste.
• Chorizo & Corn: Sauté diced cured chorizo and sweet corn kernels on the plancha before adding the clams.
• Creamy Garlic: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream to the wine reduction for a richer, bisque-like sauce.
• Asian Fusion: Use ginger, lemongrass, soy sauce, and lime juice instead of sun-dried tomatoes and wine.

Best pairings

This dish is rich in umami and brine, so it requires a beverage that cuts through the butter while complementing the seafood. A crisp, high-acid white wine is the standard pairing; think Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or a bone-dry Rosé which pairs beautifully with the tomato notes. For beer lovers, a light pilsner, a Saison, or a wheat beer with citrus notes works wonderfully to cleanse the palate. Regarding food pairings, the most essential accompaniment is a loaf of high-quality, crusty sourdough or a French baguette. You absolutely need bread to mop up that incredible sun-dried tomato and wine sauce—it is often the best part of the meal! For a fuller dinner, serve these clams over a bed of linguine or alongside grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes prepared right next to the clams on the plancha.

Conclusion

Grilling Florida clams with sun-dried tomato butter is more than just a recipe; it is a celebration of fresh ingredients and open-fire cooking. The Arteflame grill makes this process effortless, turning a simple seafood dish into a gourmet event. The combination of smoky char, sweet tomatoes, and salty brine creates a complex flavor profile that lingers on the palate. We hope this recipe inspires you to look beyond burgers and steaks for your next barbecue. Gather your friends, pour some crisp wine, and enjoy the rustic elegance of these delicious grilled clams. It is a true taste of the coast, no matter where your backyard happens to be.