This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy succulent grilled crab legs. The smoky char adds a delightful dimension to the natural sweetness of the crab meat.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds crab legs (snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crab:
- If frozen, thaw the crab legs completely in the refrigerator.
- Rinse the crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Marinate the Crab:
- Place the crab legs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
- Grill the Crab:
- Place the crab legs directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the crab meat is heated through and lightly charred.
- For extra flavor, you can place a few lemon slices directly on the grill grates while grilling the crab.
- Serve:
- Remove the crab legs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
- Citrus Burst: Use orange juice or grapefruit juice instead of lemon juice in the marinade.
- Sides: Serve grilled crab legs with melted butter for dipping, alongside grilled corn on the cob, lemon-garlic roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy your delicious grilled crab legs!