Description
Grilled crab legs are a true seafood delicacy—sweet, tender meat enhanced by smoky char and buttery garlic flavors. They’re quick to prepare, surprisingly simple, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or preparing a romantic seafood dinner at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Seafood lovers craving a gourmet meal at home.
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Busy home cooks looking for a fast yet luxurious dinner.
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Low-carb and keto dieters who want a protein-packed, guilt-free dish.
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Hosts and entertainers planning an unforgettable barbecue or family gathering.
Why It’s Great
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Fast & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
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Healthy: Naturally low-carb, high in protein, and rich in omega-3s.
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Gourmet at Home: No need to splurge at a restaurant—get the same flavor with simple ingredients.
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Versatile: Works with King crab, Snow crab, or Dungeness crab.
Best Types of Crab Legs for Grilling
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King Crab Legs: Meaty, thick, and perfect for grilling.
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Snow Crab Legs: Sweet, tender, and easy to handle—great for beginners.
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Dungeness Crab: Buttery and flavorful, often grilled as clusters.
How to Choose the Best Crab Legs
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✅ Bright Shells: Avoid dull or discolored shells.
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✅ Firm Texture: No soft or mushy spots.
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✅ Frozen or Fresh: Frozen pre-cooked crab legs are ideal for grilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 lbs crab legs (King, Snow, or Dungeness)
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½ cup melted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs
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Thaw frozen crab legs overnight or soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
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Use kitchen shears to cut through thicker shells for easy seasoning.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
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Combine melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
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Brush the mixture generously over the crab legs.
Step 3: Grill the Crab Legs
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Gas Grill: Preheat to medium-high (375°F–400°F).
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Charcoal Grill: Heat coals until white-hot.
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Place crab legs shell-side down and grill for 5–7 minutes, basting with butter.
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Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
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Drizzle with extra garlic butter.
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Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Grill (gas or charcoal)
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Basting brush
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Kitchen shears
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Mixing bowl
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Tongs for flipping crab legs
Expert Tips for Success
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✅ Use Indirect Heat: Keeps shells from burning.
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✅ Avoid Overcooking: Crab legs are already pre-cooked—you’re just reheating.
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✅ Serve with Dips: Try melted butter, cocktail sauce, or Cajun aioli for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Crab Legs
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Garlic Butter Asparagus
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Loaded Baked Potatoes
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Crusty Garlic Bread
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended, as reheated crab can lose flavor and texture.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the grill, in the oven at 350°F, or steam until hot.
FAQ
1. Can I grill frozen crab legs directly?
No, always thaw them first for even cooking.
2. What seasonings work best?
Old Bay is classic, but Cajun spice, chili flakes, or lemon pepper also taste amazing.
3. Can I grill whole crab clusters?
Yes! Just extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
4. Do I need to crack the shells before grilling?
Not required, but cutting them makes seasoning and eating easier.
Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz serving)
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Calories: ~150
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 0g
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Fat: 2g
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Omega-3s: Rich source of heart-healthy fatty acids
Conclusion
Grilled crab legs are a show-stopping seafood dish that’s easier than you might think. With smoky flavors, garlicky butter, and tender crab meat, they’re the perfect addition to any cookout or special dinner. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a restaurant-style seafood feast right at home.
