Grilled Clams with Fennel

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

   Tip: Use a grill brush to clean hot grates thoroughly for even cooking and better grill marks.

2. 2

   Toss fennel wedges with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Place directly on grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and tender. Set aside on a platter.

   Tip: Fennel cooks best when cut into uniform thickness so all pieces finish at the same time.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Set this mixture aside.

   Tip: Preparing this aromatics mixture in advance keeps the grilling process smooth and organized.

4. 4

   Place clams directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Cover the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms develop light char marks.

   Tip: Listen for clams to begin opening; this is your signal they're nearly ready.

5. 5

   Drizzle the garlic-herb oil mixture over the clams, dividing it evenly among them. Top each with a small piece of butter. Recover the grill.

   Tip: The butter will help distribute the herbs and create a rich, glossy sauce.

6. 6

   Continue cooking covered for 3-4 minutes until all clams have opened completely. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.

   Tip: Clams open quickly once heated; closed clams at the end are a sign they weren't fresh and should not be eaten.

7. 7

   Transfer opened clams and grilled fennel to a serving platter. Drizzle with any pan juices and remaining garlic oil. Pour white wine into the grill pan below the clams to capture any drippings and create an additional sauce.

   Tip: The wine deglazes the grill and captures all the flavorful caramelized bits.

8. 8

   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with grilled fennel alongside while everything is hot and steaming.

   Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious cooking liquid.