Grilled crab legs are a delicious and easy way to prepare crab, with a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a simple butter dip. Here’s how to make Grilled Crab Legs:
Ingredients:
2-3 pounds (900 g to 1.4 kg) crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs
Thaw the Crab Legs (if frozen):
If you’re using frozen crab legs, make sure they are fully thawed before grilling. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a consistent heat.
Prepare the Crab Legs:
If the crab legs are very large, you can cut them into smaller sections (about 3-4 inches long) to make them easier to handle on the grill.
Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the hard outer shell of each leg on the top side (not all the way through) to make it easier to eat once grilled.