This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to grill crab legs, perfect for a summer barbecue or a special occasion. Grilling crab legs adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet, delicate meat.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds crab legs (snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the crab legs: If using frozen crab legs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Rinse the crab legs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the crab legs: Place the crab legs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the crab legs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the crab legs from sticking.
- Grill the crab legs: Place the crab legs on the hot grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the shells are bright red and the meat is heated through. You can brush the crab legs with any remaining marinade while grilling.
- Serve: Remove the crab legs from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges and any remaining marinade for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh parsley.
- You can also grill the crab legs in foil packets to keep them moist and prevent flare-ups.
- Serve the grilled crab legs with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also broil the crab legs in the oven.
Enjoy your delicious grilled crab legs!