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.

Traeger Clams - Easy Grilled Clams Recipe (2)

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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Traeger Clams - Easy Grilled Clams Recipe (7)

Yield: 6 servings

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 do you keep clams from getting tough? ›

Cover the container holding the clams with a damp towel.

A damp towel will keep the clams from drying out, but it will also allow them to get fresh air. Don't cover them in plastic or they'll smother. If you like, you can use damp paper towels instead of a cloth towel.

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.

Should you soak clams in salt water before cooking? ›

The clams should be totally submerged in the water, so if you need more liquid, make sure to add more salt too. Running through this process once should be enough, but if the water left in the bowl is very sandy and murky, feel free to soak the clams in a second bowl of fresh salt water for another 15 minutes or so.

What happens if you don't soak clams? ›

The importance of soaking clams

The line is clearly drawn in the sand. AllRecipes says you do want to soak your clams. The outlet suggests soaking clams in fresh water for 20 minutes to help the clam filter out any sand or whatever is in the clam's digestive system.

Why are my clams open before cooking? ›

Clams may open (they are naturally filter feeders, and open to try and feed and respire), but if tapped should close indicating they are still alive. If they don't close, discard. If you're steaming a bunch of oysters or clams and some of them don't open, are they still good to eat or do you need to throw them out?

Do you boil water before adding clams? ›

Pour one to two inches of water into a large pot and add the clams. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Let the clams cook in the steam from the boiling water for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the steamer clam shells are wide open (may be longer.)

What makes a clam chewy? ›

Overcooked clams are tough and chewy. Always start by rinsing the clams under cold water to remove any sand, grit or algae. NEXT STEPS… STEAMED Put clams into a lidded pot or pan, then add a splash of water, wine or chicken stock.

Do you have to purge fresh clams? ›

They accumulate grit, sand, and dirt because they do not fully close their shells. Live clams need to be purged of the sand and grit prior to cooking. To purge clams, they must be submerged in a saltwater solution of 1/3 cup salt mixed with 1 gallon water for 30 minutes, after which the water should be changed.

How long do clams stay alive out of water? ›

In proper storage conditions, oysters can survive 2 to 3 weeks outside of the water, clams up to 5-6 days, and mussels up to 2-3 days, but we strongly recommend eating them as soon as possible.

Should you discard open clams before cooking? ›

Many clams will open while alive for whatever reason. If you tap the shell and it closes quickly, it's fine. If it stays open, it's dead and should be discarded. Note also that there are some types of clams that can never fully close their shells, such as the Geoduck clam; its body is much larger than its shell.

How long can clams live in a bucket of salt water? ›

Never store live shellfish in water or in an airtight container (they will die). You can also put the bowl of shellfish into a larger bowl with ice to keep them extra cold. Mussels, steamer clams, or razor clams can be stored up to 3 days. Hardshell clams and oysters can be stored up to ten days (or longer).

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