Traeger Clams - Easy Grilled Clams Recipe (2024)

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Traeger clams are a must make seafood dish this summer. Smokey flavored clams, incredible wine butter sauce, for that easy beach-inspired dinner.

Traeger Clams - Easy Grilled Clams Recipe (1)

Traeger Grilled Clams

Traeger clams are a must make seafood dish this summer. Smokey flavored clams, incredible wine butter sauce, for that easy beach-inspired dinner.

Clam bakes are always a blast. If you haven’t had one, now is the time. Let me share how to make Traeger clams that will win over your crowd easily. Butter, Pinot Grigio, garlic, shallots, and seasoning is all that is required for unforgettable clams.

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Easy Grilled Clams

Woodfire clams offer an incredible flavor that you don’t get when you cook other ways. The wood smoke adds an element of character to the butter wine sauce that enhances the flavor.

Just grab a pan, create your sauce and toss clams in and wait for them to pop open!

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Can I Substitute Mussels For Clams

You are welcome to use mussels if you prefer, or you can do a mix of clams and mussels.

How Do You Know When Clams Are Cooked?

Clams are unique in that when they are done, they will tell you. When you see the clams beginning to open the shells, you know they are ready to be served.

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Why Cook Clams In A Pot on Grill

A lot of people swear by just tossing clams straight on your grill grates and cook them that way. I find that using a sturdy pot or even Dutch Oven simplifies the process.

I cook my clams right in the sauce so that as the clams open up, they soak in the garlic, butter, wine, and herbs. You gain incredible flavor this way.

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What Pairs Well With Grilled Clams

For this recipe, you could reach for a grilled baguette or even sturdy bread. Use it to help soak up all the extra sauce you spoon out. Stuffed mushrooms could be another tasty option, light salad, or make these grilled clams as an appetizer.

Can You Cook These Clams with Butter and Wine In The Oven

Yes!

I recommend rinsing your clams well and then tossing them into a dutch oven. Add in all your other ingredients and bake at 400 degrees until the clams open up.

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Tips for Grilling Clams

  • Make sure the clams you buy are live and do not have any cracks in the shells. I tend to cook clams the day I buy them for the freshest taste.
  • When you go to purchase clams, aim to find clams that are less than two inches across.
  • Ensure the shells are hard and look good. If you see a lot of chips or cracks, skip.
  • If you cook up your clams and a few don’t open during the cooking process, toss them out. Don’t try to open and eat them.

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Can I Double This Traeger Clam Recipe

Absolutely! Feel free to make as many or as little as you would like of this grilled clam recipe. When we have company over I make extra. If you don’t have a ton of room on your grill just cook in batches, or opt to cook some in the oven.

Can I Swap Stock for Wine

The wine is a significant factor in the flavor of these clams. But, if you are not a fan of wine, you could use beef or chicken stock to swap out the wine. It will change up the flavor, so make a note of that.

Don’t be intimated to cook clams. They are so easy to cook with, and you can play with flavors to create clams that are incredible and delicious.

Craving Even More Seafood Recipes

  1. Garlic Steamed Clams– This steamed clams recipe is similar to this one. Except I use white wine, basil, garlic, and a handful of other ingredients to give you a very savory clam recipe.
  2. Seared Sea ScallopsPan seared with a bacon cream sauce, that will tickle your tastebuds. Best of all this recipe is simple to make. Honestly, it practically cooks itself.
  3. Grilled Lobster Tails – Skip going out to eat, and make restaurant-quality lobster tails in the comfort of your own home. Pair with butter dipping sauce, and dive in.

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Yield: 6 servings

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These delicious Traeger Grilled Clams are wonderful as an appetizer, or serve with some pasta or rice and make it a meal!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds live butter or manilla clams, washed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 stick salted butter

Instructions

  1. Fire up your Traeger according to factory instructions and preheat to 400° (or high).
  2. Place everything in a large Dutch Oven, and put it on your preheated Traeger grill at 400° for 20-25 minutes, or until all of the clams are opened.
  3. Once the clams are open, enjoy! Serve with additional melted butter if that's your thing, or just slices of toasted crusty bread to sop up the clam nectar / sauce at the bottom of the pan.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 7585Total Fat: 829gSaturated Fat: 524gTrans Fat: 33gUnsaturated Fat: 246gCholesterol: 2250mgSodium: 8675mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 32g

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Nicole Johnson

Website

Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.

Traeger Clams - Easy Grilled Clams Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long should clams be cooked? ›

Steam the clams.

Cover and let cook over medium heat until they open up (This will take anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes). Clams will let you know when they're ready; their shells will simply open. Watch for that and do not overcook them or they're turn too chewy and rubbery.

Do little neck clams open when cooked? ›

How do you cook clams so they are tender? To avoid rubbery, overcooked clams, gently steam rather than boiling. They're finished cooking as soon as the majority of the clams have opened, about five minutes for the littleneck clams in this recipe.

What is the best way to cook freshwater clams? ›

While steaming is a classic and foolproof method for cooking freshwater clams, there are other ways to explore their delectable flavors: Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the cleaned clams directly on the grill grates and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they open up.

How do you steam clams without a steamer? ›

You can steam clams in a large skillet, braiser, or Dutch oven, as long as it has a tight-fitting lid to go along with it. Melt some butter or drizzle some oil (2 to 4 tablespoons of either) in your vessel of choice over medium heat.

When should you not eat clams? ›

Do not cook or eat shellfish that have died during storage. Gaping shells indicate that the shellfish are dead and not edible. Dead shellfish spoil rapidly and develop off-flavor and off-odors.

How do you know if clams are done? ›

Cooking Clams

Cook just until shells pop open wide, that's the best way to tell when they're done. When steaming, keep liquid at a minimum so the mollusks aren't boiled.

How many clams per person? ›

Plan on one to two dozen per person for your party. This is usually a good gauge for estimating how many clams you need to buy. The Littleneck clam, also known as a quahog or hard-shell clam, is native to the eastern shores of North America all along the Atlantic coast.

Should you soak clams in salt water before cooking? ›

Soak for 15 minutes. As they soak, the clams will filter out sand and much of the salt from their systems. The sand will sink to the bottom of the pan.

Is it better to steam or boil clams? ›

It is better to steam clams rather than boil them. You lose a lot of flavor if you boil them just like lobsters. You wash the clams and put them in a pot with about an inch of liquid. I use water and white wine.

What can I use if I don't have a steamer? ›

First, take three sheets of aluminum foil and roll them up into baseball-sized balls. Place them on the bottom of the pot, and pour in about an inch of water. Then rest the plate on top of the foil balls, and add whatever food you're trying to steam to the plate. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam away.

Can you steam clams with just water? ›

Add a bit of liquid to get things started... wine, water, or chicken stock will work... but just a splash. Clams release liquid as they cook. Steam the clams on medium heat, with the lid on, for 5 to 7 minutes.

How many pounds of clams per person? ›

However, for planning purposes, if you have a good handle on your guests' appetites, the recommended amount of clams to serve is approximately 1/2 to 1 pound per person (appetizer) or 1 to 2 pounds per person as the main course. Order FRESH live lobsters or fresh-picked meat online for delivery directly to your door!

How do you know when clams are fully cooked? ›

How to tell when they're cooked? The shells will open wide. Cooking time depends on the size of the shellfish and can be anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes. After cooking: shells should be open, toss those that aren't in the garbage.

How long does it take to boil clams? ›

To boil clams, place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. If you're wondering how long to boil clams, we've got you covered. Boil for 5-10 minutes or until the shells open. Serve with melted butter or a dipping sauce.

How do you know when clams are ready? ›

How to tell when a clam is cooked. Clams have a sort of in-built timer which means that the shells ping open when the meat is cooked. If you find yourself clawing at a shell of a cooked clam or struggling to prise it open, then it's an indication that you shouldn't be eating what's inside.

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