crab legs on grill recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best crab legs on grill recipe

I have been making crab legs on the grill for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. The combination of succulent crab meat, smoky grill flavor, and a hint of lemon is simply irresistible.

I remember the first time I tried this recipe at a summer barbecue – it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, experimenting with different seasonings and cooking techniques to bring out the best flavor.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get their hands dirty when it comes to cracking open fresh crab legs. The smell of sizzling crab on the grill is like a magnet to them – they can’t resist the aroma of this delicious dish.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual summer dinner or a special holiday feast. And as an added bonus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other seafood options.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, including fresh crab meat and real butter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings – a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or some chopped parsley can add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

But honestly, the simplest approach often yields the best results.

Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Butter Sauce

4.6 from 1453 votes

Juicy crab legs grilled to perfection and served with a tangy lemon butter sauce. A delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crab Legs

2 lbs crab legs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the grill to medium-high heat 450°F.
2Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush to prevent the crab legs from sticking.
3In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4Add the crab legs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
5Place the seasoned crab legs on the preheated grill.
6Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the shells turn bright red and the meat is heated through.
7Be careful when handling the crab legs, as they can be delicate and may break apart easily.
8While the crab legs are grilling, prepare the lemon butter sauce.
9Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
12Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
13Remove the crab legs from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
14Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the crab legs and serve immediately.
15Enjoy your grilled crab legs with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob or a fresh salad.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Grill brush
Grill tongs
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: To make it easier to eat, you can crack the crab legs with a mallet or the back of a knife before serving. You can also add other seasonings to the crab legs, such as Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning, to suit your taste preferences.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Butter Sauce Works

One thing that sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility – you can serve these grilled crab legs as an appetizer, side dish, or even main course.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Butter Sauce

Q: What type of crab legs should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use jumbo lump crab legs or snow crab legs. Both types have plenty of meat and are relatively easy to crack open.

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