Grilled Crab Legs Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or preferred seafood seasoning)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional, depending on crab’s saltiness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Choose the Best Crab Legs:

1. Frozen vs. Fresh – Most crab legs are sold frozen; choose ones that are fully intact, not dry or discolored.
2. King Crab vs. Snow Crab – King crab legs are larger and meatier, while snow crab legs are easier to crack and have a slightly sweeter taste.
3. Smell Test – Fresh crab should have a mild ocean scent, not an overpowering fishy smell.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill – Set your grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F or 190–200°C).
2. Prepare the Butter Sauce – In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
3. Prepare the Crab Legs – If using frozen crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Pat dry before grilling.
4. Brush with Butter Mixture – Using a basting brush, generously coat the crab legs with the seasoned butter mixture.
5. Grill the Crab Legs –
   • Place the crab legs directly on the grill grates, shell side down.
   • Close the lid and grill for 5–7 minutes, occasionally basting with more butter sauce.
   • Flip the crab legs and grill for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish & Serve – Remove from grill, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and extra butter sauce for dipping.

How to Crack & Eat Crab Legs:

• Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to gently cut through the shell.
• Remove the crab meat using a fork or seafood pick.
• Dip into extra melted butter or your favorite seafood sauce.

Best Dipping Sauces for Grilled Crab Legs:

1. Garlic Butter Sauce – Melt 1/2 cup butter with 2 cloves minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
2. Spicy Cajun Sauce – Mix melted butter, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
3. Classic Cocktail Sauce – Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a splash of hot sauce.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Crab Legs:

• Don’t overcook – Crab legs are already cooked when purchased; grilling only heats them up and adds flavor.
• Use indirect heat – If using a charcoal grill, place crab legs away from direct flames to prevent burning.
• Foil method – If you prefer softer crab meat, wrap the legs in foil with butter before grilling.

How to Store Leftovers:

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat – Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or steam for 5 minutes.
• Freeze – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your delicious grilled crab legs with family and friends! 🍽️🦀