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If you’re a seafood lover looking for a new way to enjoy steamers, why not try cooking them on the grill? Grilling steamers is a fantastic way to bring out their natural flavors and add a smoky, charred taste. Not to mention, it’s a fun and unique way to cook this delicious shellfish!

Before you get started, make sure you have fresh steamers that are still alive. It’s important to only cook live steamers to ensure their quality and safety. In addition, you’ll need a grill and a sturdy aluminum foil or a steamer basket to prevent the steamers from falling through the grates.

To prepare the steamers for grilling, rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Discard any steamers that are cracked or open. Soak the steamers in cold water for about half an hour to help remove any remaining sand or grit. This step is crucial for a clean and enjoyable eating experience.

Now it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a foil packet, tear off a large piece of aluminum foil and fold it in half. Place the steamers on one side of the foil, making sure they are in a single layer. Fold the other half of the foil over the steamers, forming a packet. If you’re using a steamer basket, place the steamers inside the basket.

Place the foil packet or steamer basket directly on the grill grates. Cook the steamers for about 8-10 minutes or until the shells have opened. Carefully remove the foil packet or steamer basket from the grill using oven mitts or tongs. Be cautious, as the contents will be hot and steamy!

Serve the grilled steamers immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite dipping sauce. The smoky, grilled flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and briny taste of the steamers. Enjoy this unique and delicious way of cooking steamers on your next outdoor grilling adventure!

Remember to be cautious when handling the hot steamers and the grill. Always follow proper grill safety guidelines and make sure to have all necessary grilling tools and equipment.

Preparing the Steamers

Before cooking steamers on the grill, it is important to properly prepare them. Follow these steps:

Step	Description
1	Rinse the steamers under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
2	Fill a large bowl with cold water and place the steamers in it. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to purge any sand or grit.
3	While the steamers are soaking, prepare any desired seasonings or marinades. Popular options include garlic butter, lemon herb, or Old Bay seasoning.
4	After the steamers have soaked, drain the water and give them another quick rinse to remove any remaining grit.
5	Pat the steamers dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
6	If using marinade or seasonings, toss the steamers in the mixture until they are evenly coated.

Now that the steamers are prepared, they are ready to be cooked on the grill.

Choosing Fresh Steamers

When it comes to cooking steamers on the grill, choosing fresh and high-quality seafood is crucial for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some tips on how to select the freshest steamers for your grilling session:

1. Purchase from reputable seafood markets

Look for reputable seafood markets or fishmongers that have a good reputation for selling fresh seafood. These places usually have a high turnover of fish, ensuring that you are getting the freshest steamers available.

2. Look for live steamers

If possible, choose live steamers instead of prepackaged ones. Live steamers are still alive and will be much fresher compared to prepackaged ones that might have been sitting on the shelf for a while. They should be kept in a cool, damp environment until you are ready to cook them.

3. Check for freshness

When selecting steamers, look for those with tightly closed shells or shells that close tightly when tapped. Avoid steamers that have shells that are loosely closed or cracked, as these might be dead and not suitable for consumption.

4. Smell the steamers

Fresh steamers should have a pleasant and slightly salty smell, similar to the ocean. Avoid steamers that have a strong, unpleasant odor, as this indicates that they are past their prime.

5. Choose the right size

There are different sizes of steamers available, so choose the size that suits your preferences. Smaller steamers tend to be more tender and have a sweeter flavor, while larger steamers can be slightly chewier but have a more robust taste.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are selecting the freshest steamers for grilling, resulting in a mouthwatering seafood feast.

Cleaning the Steamers

Cleaning your steamers after each use is essential to maintain their longevity and ensure their proper functioning. Follow these steps to clean your steamers effectively:

1. First, remove any residual food particles from the steamers. You can do this by rinsing them with warm water and using a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn residue.
2. Next, fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the steamers in the soapy water and let them soak for about 15 minutes to help loosen any remaining debris.
3. Once the steamers have soaked, use the brush or sponge again to scrub away any remaining dirt or grease. Pay special attention to the ridges and corners of the steamers where food particles can easily get trapped.
4. Rinse the steamers thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that all soapy water is washed away to prevent any unwanted flavors in future use.
5. Lastly, allow the steamers to air dry completely before storing them. Placing the steamers in direct sunlight or using a towel to dry them may lead to bacterial growth or damage to the steamer’s material.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your steamers are always clean and ready to use for your next grilling adventure. Regular cleaning will not only prolong the life of your steamers but also prevent any cross-contamination or unwanted flavors in your food.

Grilling Setup

Before you start cooking the steamers on the grill, it is important to set up your grilling station properly. Here are a few steps to ensure a successful grilling session:

1. Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the steamers cook evenly and get a nice char on the outside.

2. Clean and Oil the Grates

Next, clean the grates of your grill thoroughly to remove any residue or debris. This will help prevent the steamers from sticking to the grates. Once clean, lightly oil the grates to create a non-stick surface.

3. Set Up a Two-Zone Fire

For cooking steamers on the grill, it is best to create a two-zone fire. This means having a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone. The direct heat zone is where you will sear the steamers, while the indirect heat zone is where they will finish cooking.

To set up a two-zone fire, simply bank the coals on one side of the grill or light the burners on only one side of a gas grill. This will create a hot side and a cooler side for more control over the cooking process.

By following these steps to set up your grilling station, you will be ready to cook delicious steamers on the grill. Now it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the steamers for grilling.

Preparing the Grill

Before you start cooking steamers on the grill, it’s important to make sure your grill is properly prepared. Follow these steps to ensure a successful cooking process:

1. Clean the grill:	Start by cleaning the grill grates to remove any leftover debris from previous cookouts. Use a grill brush or scraper to scrape off any stuck-on food. Then, dampen a cloth or paper towel with some vegetable oil and use it to wipe down the grates. This will help prevent the steamers from sticking when cooking.
2. Preheat the grill:	Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the steamers cook evenly and quickly. Cover the grill and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Oil the grates:	To further prevent sticking, use tongs to hold a folded paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. Rub the oiled paper towel over the grates, coating them evenly. This will create a non-stick surface for the steamers.

By following these steps, you’ll have a clean and properly preheated grill ready for cooking your steamers. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and have a delicious flavor. Now, it’s time to move on to preparing the steamers themselves!

Preheating the Grill

Before you start cooking the steamers on the grill, it’s important to preheat the grill. This step ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature and helps to cook the steamers evenly.

Here are the steps to preheat the grill:

1. Start by cleaning the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any leftover food or debris.
2. Open the grill lid and turn on the burners to the highest setting.
3. Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. During this time, the grill will reach a high temperature, which is necessary for cooking the steamers effectively.

You can check if the grill is hot enough by holding your hand a few inches above the grates. If you can only keep your hand there for a few seconds before it becomes too hot, then the grill is ready.

Once the grill is preheated, you can move on to the next step, which is preparing the steamers for grilling.

FAQ

What are steamers?

Steamers, also known as soft-shell clams, are a type of shellfish that have a soft and thin shell. They are commonly found on the East Coast of the United States and are a popular seafood choice.

Can you cook steamers on the grill?

Yes, you can cook steamers on the grill. Grilling steamers gives them a delicious smoky flavor and cooks them quickly and evenly.

How do you prepare steamers for grilling?

To prepare steamers for grilling, you first need to clean them by rinsing them in cold water and scrubbing off any dirt or sand. Then, you can soak them in saltwater for about 20 minutes to help remove any grit. After soaking, rinse them again and they are ready to be grilled.

What is the best way to grill steamers?

The best way to grill steamers is to preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the steamers directly on the grill grates and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shells open. Be sure to discard any steamers that do not open, as they may be unsafe to eat. Serve the grilled steamers with melted butter and lemon wedges for dipping.

Are grilled steamers healthy?

Yes, grilled steamers are a healthy seafood option. They are low in calories and fat, and high in protein. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron and selenium. However, be mindful of the butter and other dipping sauces you may use, as they can add extra calories and fat.