Imagine a summer evening where the air is filled with the smoky aroma of the grill, and you’re sipping on your favorite drink—sounds like a dream, right? Well, these easy grilled crab legs with garlic butter bring that dream to life. They’re so simple yet so extravagant, you’ll feel like royalty without breaking a sweat.
Steps
- Begin by thawing the crab legs. Fill your sink with cold water and submerge the legs for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly. Alternatively, you can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring they don’t leak.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the crab legs with olive oil for even cooking.
- Place the crab legs on the hot grill and cover them. Cook each side for about seven minutes or until the meat is thoroughly heated.
- While handling the hot crab legs with a glove, use a sharp paring knife to cut slits along the sides. This will make it easier to extract the meat.
- Serve the grilled crab legs with lemon wedges and, if desired, melted butter for dipping. Enjoy this delightful summer treat with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of frozen king, snow, or Dungeness crab legs, thawed and rinsed
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges
- Melted butter, optional for dipping
Nutritional Values
Calories: 576 kcal | Protein: 126 g | Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 288 mg | Sodium: 5600 mg
FAQ
- How do I thaw crab legs before grilling?
- To quickly thaw crab legs, submerge them in a sink filled with cold water for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse well. Alternatively, you can defrost them overnight in the refrigerator, ensuring they don’t leak.
- What types of crab legs work best for grilling?
- King crab legs, Dungeness crab legs, and snow crab legs are all excellent choices for grilling. King crabs are the largest and have the most meat, while Dungeness crabs are known for their sweet flavor.
- What are some serving suggestions for grilled crab legs?
- Grilled crab legs pair wonderfully with corn on the cob, summer tomato salad, lemon-parsley potato foil packets, or macaroni salad with tomatoes. They can be served with melted butter or simply with fresh lemon juice.
- Is it necessary to use butter when serving grilled crab legs?
- Using butter is optional when serving grilled crab legs. Some people prefer to dip the meat in melted butter with added lemon juice or garlic, while others enjoy the crab with just a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- What is the nutritional content of grilled crab legs?
- A serving size of 1 pound of crab legs contains approximately 144 calories, 31.5 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, 72 mg of cholesterol, and 1400 mg of sodium.
Tips
- For a quick thawing method, submerge the crab legs in cold water in your sink for 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring they are rinsed thoroughly once thawed. This allows for even heating on the grill.
- Before grilling, spray the crab legs with olive oil to prevent sticking and to enhance flavor. Grill on medium-high heat, cooking for about seven minutes on each side until heated through.
- Use a sharp paring knife to make slits along the sides of the crab legs after grilling. This will make it easier to extract the meat.
- Enhance the flavor of your grilled crab legs by serving them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of melted butter. For an extra kick, consider adding garlic to the butter for a homemade garlic butter sauce.
Equipment
- Grill (if you don’t already have one)
- Olive oil spray bottle (for spritzing the crab legs)
- Sharp paring knife (for cutting slits in the crab legs)
- Heat-resistant gloves or mitts (for handling hot crab legs)
