Smoked Maine Mussels on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Smoked Maine Mussels cooked directly on the Arteflame grill deliver rich, smoky, garlicky flavors in a buttery sauce. The griddle's even heat ensures perfect cooking, preventing burning while locking in the mussels’ natural juices. This simple yet flavorful dish brings the taste of the coast right to your backyard grill.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh Maine mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Baguette slices for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to establish.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the butter sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the mussels

1. Place the mussels directly onto the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Pour the white wine over the mussels to create steam.
3. Cover the mussels loosely with a metal bowl or foil to help them open up faster.
4. After about 5 minutes, check to see if the mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.

Step 4: Add the butter sauce

1. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce over the opened mussels.
2. Allow them to cook for another 2 minutes to absorb the smoky, buttery flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

1. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the mussels.
2. Serve immediately with grilled baguette slices to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips

• Use fresh Maine mussels for the best flavor.
• Do not overcook—mussels should just open fully before serving.
• Grill baguette slices on the Arteflame cooktop for added crispiness.
• Always remove meat and seafood from the grill about 15°F before the ideal temperature, as it continues to cook after removal.

Variations

• Spicy Smoked Mussels: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a fiery kick.
• Coconut Curry Mussels: Substitute white wine with coconut milk and add 1 tbsp curry powder.
• Garlic Parmesan Mussels: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the mussels before serving.
• Herb Butter Mussels: Use chopped basil and thyme in the butter sauce for an aromatic twist.
• BBQ Smoked Mussels: Mix in 1 tbsp of BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.

Best Pairings

• A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables
• A light, citrusy IPA
• A simple garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Conclusion

Grilling Maine mussels on the Arteflame grill creates a rich, smoky seafood dish packed with flavor. With a buttery garlic sauce and the perfect balance of smoke and heat, these mussels are an easy and satisfying addition to any outdoor meal. Enjoy them with a crispy baguette and a refreshing beverage for the ultimate coastal experience.