Hi, welcome to Anne’s kitchen with a fragrance that will not only make you feel hungry but will also make you feel?mouthwatering. Nothing beats a quick and easy grilled crab leg meal when the weather is nice and you’re itching to get the grill going. This method of grilling seafood requires minimal cleanup time and effort. To bring out the sweetness and delicate crab flavor, grill the crab legs and serve with lemon wedges and melted butter.
For this recipe, you can use any kind of crab legs, whether they’re fresh or frozen. Fantastic choices include king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness crab. Grilled crab legs are the perfect recipe to whip up when you want something tasty on the grill fast because the entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
This recipe is my favorite from my college days as my mother used to serve me and my friends this recipe very often whenever they planned to visit us. She used to serve it with my favorite Campfire Sauce. So this recipe not only makes me crave it but also makes me feel nostalgic as a part of my teenage is attached to it. So, let’s begin this nostalgic journey.
What Are Grilled Crabs?
Grilled crab is a delectable seafood dish where fresh crab is cooked on a grill, imparting smoky flavors and a delightful char to the tender crab meat. To prepare, cleaned crab is seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes a marinade, then placed directly on the grill grates over high heat.
The crab is grilled until the shell turns vibrant red and the meat becomes opaque and juicy, typically taking around 5-7 minutes per side. Grilled crab is often served with melted butter or a tangy sauce, enhancing its natural sweetness and creating a mouthwatering dish for any seafood lover.
Overview: How To Grill Crab Legs?
Savor succulent crab on the barbecue with this easy and tasty grilled crab recipe. First, assemble all of your materials. Set your outdoor grill on high heat and give the grates a quick oiling. Beat butter, olive oil, and garlic together thoroughly in a bowl. Apply this mixture generously to the crab.
After preheating the grill, place the crab on it and cook, flipping once, until the shell begins to brown 5 to 6 minutes. When finished, serve the grilled crab with more melted butter, if preferred, and lemon wedges. This dish is ideal for any occasion where seafood is enjoyed, such as a summer barbecue.
It will definitely be a success with your family and friends thanks to its delectable flavors and simple preparation. Savor the juicy sweetness and smoky scent of freshly grilled crab directly from the grill to your dish!
Other Seafood Recipes You May Love!
Flavored Grilled Crab Legs Recipe
Equipment
- Outdoor grill
- Grill brush or tongs
- Bowl for mixing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced garlic
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 pound Snow Crab clusters, thawed if necessary
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients for the recipe.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together butter, olive oil, and garlic until well combined.
- Brush Crab: Generously brush the buttery garlic mixture onto the crab.
- Grill Crab: Place the crab on the preheated grill and cook, turning once, until the shell just starts to brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Serve: Once done, serve the grilled crab with lemon wedges and additional melted butter if desired.
- Enjoy: This dish is perfect for any seafood-loving occasion. Savor the smoky aroma and juicy goodness of grilled crab straight from the grill to your plate!
Notes
- If using frozen crab legs, thaw them completely by placing the legs in a large bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. This thawing step helps ensure the crab legs cook evenly when grilled.
- Once thawed, preheat the grill to high heat before placing the crab legs onto the hot grates. Whether using fresh or previously frozen crab legs, a hot grill is key for proper cooking.
- Don’t overcook the crab legs � they’ll take on an unpleasant rubbery texture.
- If you can find the crab legs already split, that’s ideal. But if they are unsplit, be sure to split them yourself before cooking. Splitting the legs allows the seasonings and heat to fully penetrate the crab meat, bringing out the most flavor.
Nutrition
Some Alternate Methods to Cook This Recipe!
Steamed crab legs: Steaming is an ideal cooking method for crab legs, gently preserving their sweet, tender meat. The legs are placed in a steamer basket or pot over boiling water. As steam rises and surrounds the crab, it gently cooks the meat, keeping it moist and naturally flavorful. The delicate taste of the crab shines through without being overpowered. Steamed crab legs are often served with melted butter and lemon wedges for a simple, satisfying dish.
Boiled crab legs: Boiling crab legs is a fast and easy cooking method that produces tender, mild crab meat. Just simmer the legs in seasoned water until heated through. Then serve with your preferred dipping sauce. Boiled crab legs are ideal when you’re rushed but still want that sweet crab flavor. They’re a popular, no-fuss option for family dinners and casual get-togethers, letting you enjoy this seafood delicacy without the hassle.
Fried Crab Legs: Fried crab legs make for a mouthwatering seafood dish. The tender crab meat is coated in a crispy, golden batter and deep-fried to perfection, offering a delightful contrast of textures. The crunchy exterior gives way to succulent, flavorful meat inside. Enjoyed as an appetizer or entree, these irresistible crab legs promise to satisfy seafood lovers. Paired with a flavorful dipping sauce, they provide a savory culinary experience with each indulgent bite.
Smoked crab legs: Smoked crab legs are a gourmet seafood option, infused with a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the sweet crab meat. Slow-smoking the legs over a low heat with wood chips adds depth and complexity, complementing the delicate crab. Served as an appetizer or entr�e with dipping sauces and sides, smoked crab legs provide a memorable meal for seafood aficionados seeking an elevated dining experience.
Baked Crab Legs: Baked Crab Legs are a luxurious and festive dish, with a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of lobster. For those who enjoy seafood, crab is a real treat. Simply baked, these pre-cooked crab legs are an easy and delicious meal to make at home for holidays or special occasions. The natural sweetness of the tender crab meat shines when gently warmed in the oven.
What to Serve with Grilled Crab Leg Recipe?
Managing leftovers!
When you have leftover grilled crab legs, follow these steps to store and reheat them properly:
- Allow the crab legs to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag once cooled.
- Refrigerate the crab legs for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
- When ready to reheat, preheat the grill to medium heat. Wrap the crab legs loosely in foil to prevent drying out.
- Grill the foil-wrapped crab legs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through to at least 165�F internal temperature.
- Unwrap and serve the reheated crab legs with lemon wedges and melted butter if desired. Enjoy their delicious taste again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen crab legs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen crab legs for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before grilling, either by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or thawing them under cold running water.
Q: Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just make sure to whisk it again before brushing it onto the crab legs.
Q: What other seasonings can I add to the marinade?
A: You can customize the marinade to your taste by adding additional seasonings such as Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Q: Can I grill the crab legs indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A: Yes, you can grill the crab legs indoors using a grill pan or an indoor electric grill. Just make sure to preheat the grill pan or electric grill to high heat and lightly oil it before cooking the crab legs.