This recipe delivers succulent, smoky grilled crab legs with a simple yet flavorful seasoning.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh or frozen crab legs (snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crab Legs:
- If using frozen crab legs, thaw them completely in the refrigerator.
- Rinse the crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Marinate the Crab Legs:
- Place the crab legs in a large bowl or resealable 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.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).
- If using a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes.
- If using a charcoal grill, let the coals heat up and form a layer of gray ash before placing the crab legs on the grill.
- Grill the Crab Legs:
- Place the crab legs directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Use tongs to carefully turn the crab legs.
- Serve:
- Remove the grilled crab legs from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately with melted butter for dipping.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the crab legs in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve with sides like grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy your delicious grilled crab legs!