Japanese Grilled Clams with Sake and Garlic Butter

Introduction

Indulge in the rich umami flavors of these Japanese-style grilled clams with sake and garlic butter. The Arteflame grill enhances the natural sweetness of the clams while infusing them with smoky, buttery goodness. Perfectly grilled right on the cooktop, these clams are a must-try for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh clams
• 1/2 cup sake
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait 20 minutes for the grill to reach the optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Clams

1. Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or grit.
2. Discard any clams that do not close when tapped.

Step 3: Prepare the Sake Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sake, soy sauce, mirin, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Clams

1. Place the clams directly on the hot griddle cooktop, closer to the center for more heat.
2. Cover each clam with a spoonful of sake garlic butter sauce.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes, until the clams open up.
4. Discard any clams that do not open.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Transfer the grilled clams to a serving plate.
2. Drizzle any remaining sauce over them.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Always preheat your Arteflame grill for even cooking.
• Use fresh clams for the best flavor.
• Serve immediately, as clams taste best piping hot.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

1. Spicy Miso Clams: Add 1 tbsp miso paste and 1 tsp chili oil to the sauce for a richer, spicier flavor.
2. Ginger-Sesame Clams: Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 1 tsp sesame oil to enhance the depth of flavor.
3. Coconut Sake Clams: Replace mirin with 1/4 cup coconut milk for a creamy twist.
4. Lemongrass-Clams: Infuse the butter sauce with finely chopped lemongrass for a fresh, citrusy note.
5. Teriyaki Glazed Clams: Drizzle the clams with a bit of teriyaki sauce right before serving.

Best Pairings

• Japanese sake or dry white wine
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Grilled asparagus or bok choy
• Miso soup
• Crusty bread

Conclusion

Japanese grilled clams with sake and garlic butter are an absolute delight when cooked on the Arteflame grill. The grill’s even heat cooktop locks in the juices, while the sake and garlic butter add irresistible umami. Perfect for a backyard gathering, this dish is both simple to make and impressive to serve.