Need to give people something to munch on while dinner is grilling? This couldn't be simpler — and it takes less than 10 minutes...
Once the grill is hot, you scatter on a bunch of fresh, clean clams or mussels. Put the top on the grill. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how big your mollusks are.
When the shells have popped open, they're finished (simple as that). Pile them into a bucket, set them on the table with some melted herb butter for dipping, hand your friends small forks, and perhaps offer a cold beer.
Well done.
Anyone have some more complicated methods for grilling clams or mussels? What's your secret?
Related: Linguini with Mussels and Dandelion Greens
(Image: Flickr member WmJR, licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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It took me much longer to open clams on the grill. Maybe the grill wasn't hot enough. I put a spicy butter sauce from bon appetit on them and they were delicious.
When we do mussels at the beach (using a public grill) we bring minced garlic, beer (which we already were going to bring) and throw them on the grill too. The beer steams the mussels so they cool much faster.
Then pour a little olive oil (or whatever sauce you prefer) into some mussel shells and you have yourselves some instant mini dipping bowls!
Goodness, this is making my mouth water.
Oh, make sure you bring bread for mopping up juices.