Grilled Crab Legs

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds (900 g to 1.4 kg) crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

1. Thaw the Crab Legs (if frozen):
   • If you’re using frozen crab legs, make sure they are fully thawed before grilling. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a consistent heat.
3. Prepare the Crab Legs:
   • If the crab legs are very large, you can cut them into smaller sections (about 3-4 inches long) to make them easier to handle on the grill.
   • Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the hard outer shell of each leg on the top side (not all the way through) to make it easier to eat once grilled.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
2. Set Aside:
   • Set the garlic butter sauce aside for basting and serving.

Step 3: Grill the Crab Legs

1. Place on the Grill:
   • Arrange the crab legs on the grill over indirect heat (on the cooler side of the grill). If your grill has a lid, close it while grilling to maintain consistent heat. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side.
2. Baste with Butter:
   • While grilling, baste the crab legs with the garlic butter sauce using a brush, turning them every couple of minutes. You want the shells to get slightly charred and the crab meat to heat through.
3. Optional Grilling with Direct Heat:
   • If you like a bit of extra crispness, you can move the crab legs to direct heat for the last 1-2 minutes to give them a slight char, but be careful not to overcook them.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove from the Grill:
   • Once the crab legs are heated through and slightly charred on the outside, remove them from the grill.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the crab legs with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.
3. Serve with Dipping Sauce:
   • Serve the grilled crab legs with the remaining garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• Avoid Overcooking: Crab legs are already cooked when you buy them, so you’re simply reheating and adding flavor. Overcooking can result in dry meat, so watch them carefully.
• For Extra Flavor: You can add a dash of cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or your favorite herbs and spices to the butter sauce for extra flavor.
• Using a Grill Basket: If you have a grill basket, you can use it to help keep the crab legs from falling through the grill grates.

Enjoy your Grilled Crab Legs with a side of melted garlic butter for dipping and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the perfect seafood experience!