Massachusetts Grilled New England Clam Bake on Arteflame

Introduction

Grilled New England clam bake brings all the coastal flavors of Massachusetts to your backyard. Cooking it all on the Arteflame grill enhances each ingredient’s natural flavor while keeping the process simple and enjoyable. Fire up your grill and enjoy this unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh clams, scrubbed
• 1 lb fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 ears of corn, husked and cut into thirds
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the grill and drizzle with vegetable oil.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to come up to temperature.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes and sausage

1. Place halved baby potatoes directly on the hotter zone of the cooktop with a drizzle of butter.
2. Flip occasionally until golden brown and tender.
3. Add sausage slices near the center and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3: Grill the corn

1. Brush corn pieces with melted butter.
2. Place on the medium heat zone of the cooktop, turning every few minutes until charred and tender.

Step 4: Steam the clams and mussels

1. Create foil packets by combining clams, mussels, a drizzle of butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper.
2. Seal tightly and place on the cooktop near the outer edge.
3. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the shells open.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

1. Combine the grilled potatoes, sausage, and corn with the opened shellfish.
2. Drizzle with extra melted butter, squeeze fresh lemon wedges over top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
3. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the perfect balance of smoky, buttery flavors.

Tips

• Ensure clams and mussels are fresh by discarding any cracked or unresponsive ones.
• Keep shellfish in a bowl of cold saltwater before grilling to help them release any grit.
• Move food around the different heat zones to prevent overcooking.
• Use high-quality butter for an extra rich, flavorful finish.
• Discard any shellfish that do not open after steaming.

Variations

1. Spicy Clam Bake: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the butter for a spicy kick.
2. Herb-Infused Clam Bake: Include fresh thyme and rosemary in the foil packets for an aromatic twist.
3. Garlic Butter Clam Bake: Use roasted garlic butter instead of plain melted butter for a deep, rich flavor.
4. Chorizo Clam Bake: Replace smoked sausage with spicy chorizo for a bold, Spanish-inspired variation.
5. Lobster Clam Bake: Add split lobster tails to the cooktop for an extra luxurious seafood experience.

Best pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the buttery clam juices.
• Grilled Asparagus: Adds a fresh, smoky vegetable note alongside the seafood.
• Coleslaw: A light, crunchy salad complements the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Grilled New England clam bake brings all the coastal flavors of Massachusetts to your backyard. Cooking it all on the Arteflame grill enhances each ingredient’s natural flavor while keeping the process simple and enjoyable. Fire up your grill and enjoy this unforgettable meal.