Smoky Manhattan Clam Chowder: The Ultimate Grilled Seafood Recipe

Introduction

While the creamy white broths of New England often steal the spotlight, true seafood aficionados know that the zesty, tomato-based complexity of a New York Manhattan Clam Chowder is unrivaled, especially when prepared outdoors. This isn't just a soup; it is a vibrant celebration of the Atlantic coast, marrying the sweetness of fresh Little Neck clams with the savory depth of bacon and garden vegetables. By utilizing the Arteflame grill, we elevate this classic recipe far beyond the stovetop. Grilling the clams directly on the heat doesn't just open them; it infuses the brine with a subtle, wood-fired smokiness that permeates the entire dish. This recipe transforms a standard lunch staple into a culinary event, offering a robust, red broth that is lighter than its creamy cousin but significantly bolder in flavor profile. Prepare to experience the perfect balance of acidity, salinity, and smoke.

Ingredients

• 50 Little Neck clams, scrubbed clean
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 bottles (8 oz each) clam juice
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by building a medium-hot fire in your Arteflame grill. You want a solid bed of coals to ensure even heat across the cooktop.
2. Aim for a temperature range where the flat cooktop is hot enough to sear bacon but moderate enough to simmer liquids without rapid evaporation.
3. Wipe down the cooktop with a thin layer of oil to prepare the surface for cooking.

Step 2: Grill the Clams

1. Place the scrubbed Little Neck clams directly onto the flat steel cooktop or the grill grate.
2. Cook them until they pop open, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the heat intensity.
3. Carefully remove the clams as they open to preserve their texture. Discard any clams that refuse to open.
4. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the shells and chop roughly. Save any accumulated juices if possible.

Step 3: Render the Base

1. Place a large cast-iron Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot directly on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Add the diced bacon to the pot and cook until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy.
3. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the bacon fat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Simmer the Chowder

1. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
2. Pour in the clam juice and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then slide the pot to a cooler zone of the grill to let it simmer gently.
4. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Final Combination

1. Stir the chopped grilled clams back into the pot.
2. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes just to heat the clams through; do not overcook as they can become rubbery.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the clams and bacon are naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Tips

Creating the perfect Manhattan Clam Chowder on the grill requires attention to the nuance of seafood. First and foremost, the clams must be meticulously cleaned; submerge them in cold salted water for 20 minutes prior to grilling to encourage them to expel any sand. When cooking on the Arteflame, heat management is crucial. Use the different heat zones of the flat top effectively—sear your bacon on the hotter center, but move your Dutch oven toward the outer edge for a gentle simmer. This prevents the tomato base from scorching and allows the flavors to meld slowly. Additionally, avoid overcooking the potatoes. Because the acidity in tomatoes can sometimes toughen potatoes, ensure they are cut into uniform small cubes so they cook evenly. Finally, if you harvest the clam juice (liquor) when shucking the grilled clams, filter it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove grit before adding it to the pot for an intense flavor boost.

Variations

While the classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, this tomato-based chowder is incredibly versatile and welcomes creativity. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit different palates or dietary preferences without losing the dish's soul. Here are a few exciting twists to try on your grill:

• Spicy Fra Diavolo Style: Add a generous teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine to the base for a fiery kick.
• Manhattan Seafood Stew: Bulk up the chowder by adding shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish chunks (like cod) during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Chorizo Twist: Swap the bacon for diced Spanish chorizo to introduce a smoky paprika flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
• Garden Fresh: Add diced bell peppers and fresh corn off the cob during the sauté step for added sweetness and texture.
• Herbal Infusion: replace dried thyme with fresh oregano and basil for a more Italian-inspired broth profile.

Best pairings

A bowl of smoky Manhattan Clam Chowder is a robust meal on its own, but the right pairings can turn it into an unforgettable dining experience. To balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the brine of the clams, you need sides that offer texture and neutrality. Start with bread; a crusty sourdough loaf or a baguette, sliced and toasted swiftly on the Arteflame cooktop with a brush of garlic butter, is essential for soaking up the broth. For a beverage, you want something crisp to cut through the savory richness. A cold, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc works wonders, as does a light lager or pilsner if you prefer beer. If you are serving this as a main course, a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or a Caesar salad provides a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the hot soup.

Conclusion

Mastering this New York Manhattan Clam Chowder on the Arteflame is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the elemental joy of outdoor cooking. By moving the process from the kitchen to the grill, you add a layer of complexity—that distinct kiss of smoke and char—that simply cannot be replicated indoors. The result is a soup that is vibrant, hearty, and deeply satisfying, perfect for a crisp autumn evening or a summer seaside gathering. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the red chowder or a curious convert from the creamy New England variety, this dish promises to impress. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the rich, savory heritage of the finest chowder New York has to offer.