Grilling frozen crab legs may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with the right techniques. The smoky, charred flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the sweet succulence of crab meat. This simple cooking method results in tender, restaurant-quality crab legs with minimal effort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master grilling frozen crab legs from thawing to serving. With a few basic supplies and these foolproof steps you’ll be enjoying these sublime seafood treats all summer long.
Why Grill Frozen Crab Legs?
There are several excellent reasons to fire up the grill when cooking crab legs:
-
Adds Smoky Flavor – The heat and smoke from the grill infuses the crab meat with incredible depth and intensity. This amplifies the natural sweetness of the crab unlike any other cooking method.
-
Locks in Moisture – Grilling at a moderate temperature gently warms the crab legs without drying them out. Keeping them moist is key to achieving tender texture.
-
It’s Festive – Grilling makes crab legs feel special and celebratory. It’s perfect for summer parties, beach cookouts, or anytime you want to create a restaurant vibe at home.
-
Minimal Effort – Grilling pre-cooked frozen crab legs couldn’t be easier. There’s no need for pots, burners, or steamers. Just throw them on the grill and you’re done!
Helpful Tips for Grilling Crab Legs
Follow these tips for flawlessly grilled crab legs every time:
-
Always thaw frozen crab legs before grilling – never put them on frozen.
-
Use a two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat to prevent burning.
-
Wrap legs in foil with seasoning and butter to lock in moisture and flavor.
-
Grill gently over medium heat, monitoring temperature closely.
-
Target an internal temperature of 140°F-165°F.
-
Allow 5-10 minutes rest time before cracking open legs to serve.
What You’ll Need
Gather these essential items before getting started:
-
Frozen crab legs – King, snow, and Dungeness work well
-
Gas or charcoal grill
-
Heavy duty aluminum foil
-
Cooking tongs
-
Olive oil or melted butter
-
Seasonings – Old Bay, lemon pepper, garlic salt
-
Serving platter and utensils
-
Melted butter or sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flawless grilled crab legs:
1. Thaw Completely
-
Place frozen legs in refrigerator 12-24 hrs or in cold water 30 mins-1 hr.
-
Legs should be flexible, not rigid when ready to grill.
2. Prep the Grill
-
Heat gas grill to medium-high heat, 400°-450°F.
-
For charcoal, mound coals on one side of grill.
3. Season and Wrap Legs
-
Brush legs with olive oil or melted butter.
-
Generously season with Old Bay, garlic salt, lemon pepper, etc.
-
Wrap seasoned legs tightly in foil packets.
4. Grill Foil Packs
-
Place packs on hot side of grill, seam-side up.
-
Grill bundles 8-12 minutes, flipping once.
5. Check Doneness
-
Use tongs and thermometer to test doneness.
-
Meat should reach 140°F-165°F.
-
Shells will be hot to the touch when done.
6. Rest and Serve
-
Let bundles rest 5 minutes before opening.
-
Serve legs with melted butter, lemon, and grilled corn.
-
Provide small hammers for cracking open shells.
Handy Grilling Tips
Implement these pro tips for even better results:
-
If using large king crab legs, cut through joints so legs lay flat.
-
Use a perforated grilling pan if grill grates are too widely spaced.
-
Add soaked wood chips to infuse a light smoky flavor.
-
Brush with flavored butter before and during grilling.
-
For snow crab legs, toss whole clusters in butter before grilling.
-
Serve with grilled lemon halves for squeezing over meat.
Choosing the Best Crab Legs for Grilling
You can grill any type of pre-cooked frozen crab legs, but some are better suited than others:
King Crab Legs – Prized for their thick, meaty claws. Grill gently to prevent drying out.
Snow Crab Legs – Delicate legs perfect for direct high heat grilling. Cook fast.
Dungeness Crab Legs – Smaller legs cook quickly. Split bodies work well.
Delicious Seasonings and Sauces
Don’t limit yourself to plain grilled crab legs. Consider these flavorful seasonings and sauces:
-
Lemon garlic butter – Brush on before and during grilling.
-
Cajun or Old Bay seasoning – Sprinkle liberally over legs.
-
Fresh herbs – Coat with chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley.
-
Compound butter – Blend in ingredients like lime zest, chipotle peppers.
-
Seafood cocktail sauce – Serve alongside for dipping.
-
Drawn butter – The classic dipping sauce, infused with fresh herbs.
-
Flavored mayonnaise – Sriracha, wasabi, or chipotle mayo.
What to Serve with Grilled Crab Legs
Complete your summer crab feast with these perfect pairings:
-
Grilled corn on the cob – Roll in flavored butter before grilling.
-
Coleslaw – Lightly dressed cabbage slaw.
-
Garlic bread – Good for dipping in butter sauce.
-
Grilled vegetables – Zucchini, squash, peppers, onions.
-
Baked potatoes – Smash with butter, sour cream, chives.
-
Green salad – Top with tangy vinaigrette.
-
Rice pilaf – Herb infused rice with veggies.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover grilled crab legs keep well:
-
Allow legs to cool completely before storing.
-
Place in airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
-
Refrigerate up to 2-3 days.
-
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
-
Microwave reheating is not recommended.
Grilled Crab Legs – An Easy Backyard Triumph
Grilling is hands-down the easiest, most flavorful way to prepare frozen crab legs. Follow the techniques in this guide for tender, juicy, smoky crab leg perfection. With minimal time and effort, you’ll enjoy gourmet seafood worthy of any beachside restaurant. Fire up the grill and treat your family and friends to these incredible crab leg creations all summer long!
Your cart is empty
Log in to check out faster.
WANT IT SHIPPED? 888-404-7454 (Mon-Fri 9-5 EST)
Outside office hours you can email us at [email protected].
Click here for our retail/food truck numbers.
- Gifts
- How it works
- Our story
It’s beginning to look a lot like crab season (our favorite time of the year)! Crab Legs are a popular option with our customers. Especially once the weather warms, making dining al fresco a less messy crabby affair. So, we wanted to provide some of our favorite methods for cooking these delectable leggy clusters. Whether it’s broiling, baking, grilling or steaming, you’re bound to find a new favorite crab cooking method.
Broiling is simply a cooking method where the product is exposed to direct heat. Often in our ovens, with a rack positioned as close to the heat source as possible. That direct heat warms rapidly and causes a little charring, imparting tons of flavor.
Why Should I Broil my Crab Legs?
Broiling happens very FAST! Crab legs cook in record time and (since we’re just using a baking sheet) with minimal clean up.
How to Broil my Crab Legs…
Preheat your broiler on low. Season and toss the crab legs with a little Old Bay and space out evenly on your baking sheet (you may need to do this in batches, depending on how many clusters you have). Broil for 3 minutes per side and let cool enough for you to handle before serving.
Alternatively, you can split the crab legs and body, exposing the meat, and season with butter, garlic, lemon, etc… This will provide that tell-tale charing and succulence (mouth is watering just thinking about it).
Baking is another easy-peasy cooking method. Providing a little slower cook time, since the product is usually in the center of the oven with radiant heat swirling around, cooking everything evenly. And with less aggressive temperatures.
Why Should I Bake my Crab Legs?
This is a forgivable cooking method for those that, whoops, forgot to thaw their crab legs before cooking. This is also ideal for marinated crab legs (in a nice EVOO, fresh herbs, citrus and garlic marinade), letting those flavors fully absorb into the meat.
This method also doesn’t require as much ‘babysitting’ as some of the other crab cooking methods, giving home-cooks a little downtime before devouring.
How to Bake my Crab Legs…
Preheat your oven to about 350°F-400°F. Place your crab leg clusters on a baking sheet or XL casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, if thawed, and 35-45 minutes, if frozen.
The ideal summer crab cooking method, no need to turn on any indoor appliances (and subsequently heat up the house in the process). Just you and your grill. Grilling and broiling are culinary neighbors, both require direct intense heat, warming food quickly and usually with a flavorful char to boot.
Why Should I Grill my Crab Legs?
Grilling your crab legs imparts that nice smoky flavor of all grilled goods. Weather permitting, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the day, with a resulting rich and tasty crab leg dinner. Another nice perk of grilling, is that you can combine the joys experienced with baking and broiling. Your, destined for the grill, crab legs can be marinated ahead of time (as with baking) or simply basted while cooking (as with broiling).
How to Grill my Crab Legs…
Grilled crab legs should be thoroughly thawed before being grilled, this will provide the best results. Drippage from ‘thawing while cooking’ legs could cause flare-ups, potentially risking a burnt leg instead of a grilled leg.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F-400°F). Grill crab legs for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until hot throughout. Let cool enough for you to handle before serving.
The all-time classic cooking method for crab legs! Steaming is an indirect cooking method, meaning that the product is not directly over fire, heat or flame, and cooked by the resulting steam of boiling liquid.
Why Should I Steam my Crab Legs?
The reason that steaming is the go-to for so many is that (one) it’s very easy to do and (two) locks in moisture, reducing the risk of potentially drying out your crab legs. The only downside to steaming is the clean up, you’ll need a seriously large pot and steamer basket to fit your clusters and you really can’t marinate or baste before or while the legs are steaming (you risk getting steamed in the process or the marinade will just be watered down). Albeit, like baking, steaming is a forgivable crab cooking method if you accidentally forgot to thaw your crab legs.
How to Steam my Crab Legs…
Fill your steamer base to the recommended height with water (or boost flavor by using beer, wine or any other well flavored liquid) and bring to a boil). Fill your steamer basket with crab leg clusters (you may need to work in batches here, depending on how many crab legs will fit). Reduce heat to medium (just simmering the liquid) and steam for 10-12 minutes, thawed or 20-25 minutes, if frozen.
How to Grill Alaskan King Crab Legs
FAQ
Can you put frozen crab legs on the grill?
Frozen Crab Legs: I would highly recommend thawing your crab legs before grilling. While you can grill frozen crab legs (the cook time will just be a bit longer) you risk that some of the crab meat may get dry (the thinner pieces) while other thicker parts may not be all the way done.
Can you cook frozen crab legs without thawing?
Steaming is one of the best ways to cook frozen snow crab legs without thawing. Follow these steps to achieve perfect tenderness and preserve the delicate flavors: Place a steamer basket in a large pot and fill it with water just below the basket.Jun 4, 2023
What is the best way to cook frozen crab legs?
The best way to cook frozen crab legs is by steaming or baking them, as boiling can make the meat watery. If steaming, place the crab legs in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Can you grill crab legs in foil?
Place thawed crab legs on tin foil and double wrap. Once grill is heated, place legs in the center in direct heat. Cook for 5-10 minutes. Cut open to feel for temperature.