California Baja-Style Clam Bake on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bring the vibrant flavors of Baja California to your backyard with this mouthwatering clam bake, cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill. Fresh clams are grilled to perfection with garlic butter and white wine, creating a dish that's both simple and incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh clams, cleaned
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Melt the butter and prepare the ingredients

1. Spread the melted butter over the flat griddle cooktop.
2. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Place the cleaned clams directly onto the flat cooktop.

Step 3: Cook the clams

1. Pour the white wine directly over the clams.
2. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cover the clams loosely with lemon slices to infuse flavor.
4. Let the clams steam in their own juices for about 7-10 minutes, until they open up.

Step 4: Finish and serve

1. Once the clams have opened, sprinkle fresh parsley over them.
2. Remove the clams from the grill immediately.
3. Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips

• Discard any clams that do not open after cooking.
• Use butter instead of oil to enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
• Grill some lemon slices alongside the clams for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Chorizo Clam Bake: Add sliced Mexican chorizo to the grill for a bold, smoky kick.
• Coconut Lime Clam Bake: Swap the wine for coconut milk and add a squeeze of fresh lime.
• Tomato Basil Clam Bake: Roast cherry tomatoes on the griddle and mix with fresh basil.
• Beer and Butter Clam Bake: Replace white wine with a light lager for a different depth of flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Clam Bake: Finish the clams with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a rich, cheesy note.

Conclusion

This California Baja-Style Clam Bake is the perfect way to bring the beachside experience home. With its smoky, garlicky flavors and buttery richness, it's a must-try recipe for seafood lovers.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest.
• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp IPA.
• Fresh arugula salad with citrus dressing.
• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter.