How to Cook King Crab Legs on the Grill for Perfectly Succulent Seafood

Grilling king crab legs is a great way to enjoy this decadent seafood with a smoky, charred flavor. When done right, you get tender, juicy crab meat paired with the sweet, briny taste these legs are known for.

However, grilling crab legs does require some special handling. You need high direct heat to achieve that char while still cooking the crab fully without drying it out. It’s important to know how to prep the legs choose the right grilling temperature and method, and judge doneness accurately.

Follow this guide to learn everything you need for perfectly cooked king crab legs off the grill every time.

Choosing the Freshest King Crab Legs

For the best results, start with high-quality, fresh king crab legs. Look for legs that are translucent white with a bright red shell. Avoid any with yellowish or brownish tinting. The legs should smell sweet and mild, not fishy.

Shop seafood counters and fish markets for the freshest crab. Many high-end grocers like Whole Foods also carry king crab. Of course, the ultimate in freshness comes from ordering online through retailers like Global Seafoods that overnight ship the crab legs packed in ice.

Alaskan king crab is considered the highest quality and most flavorful. And don’t forget the melted butter and lemon wedges for serving!

Thawing Frozen Crab Legs

It’s best to grill thawed crab legs Thawing allows seasonings to better penetrate the meat, And it leads to more even cooking so you don’t end up with underdone sections,

To thaw frozen legs, place in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours. You can hasten the process by putting the legs in a colander or bowl and running cold water over them until thawed. Another quick thawing option is to seal the legs in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes.

Once thawed, the king crab legs are ready to prep for the grill.

Prepping the Legs for Grilling

There are a few easy steps to prep king crab legs for the grill.

First, give them a rinse under cold water and pat dry. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the exterior. Any excess moisture will cause steaming rather than searing.

Next, use kitchen shears or sharp scissors to cut along the bottom length of the shells. Cut all the way through the shell and about halfway into the meat. This exposes more surface area for cooking.

Finally, use a brush to coat the outsides with olive oil or melted butter. The oil prevents sticking to the grill while providing moisture.

Once prepped, the crab legs are ready for seasoning.

Choosing Seasonings for Flavor

King crab legs have a naturally sweet, briny flavor that partners well with salty seasonings and fresh herbs.

Some easy seasonings to consider include:

• Seafood seasoning like Old Bay
• Lemon pepper or garlic pepper blend
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder and paprika
• Fresh or dried parsley, oregano, basil, or thyme

Brush on melted butter, then sprinkle the desired seasonings evenly over both sides of the legs. Pat gently to help them adhere. The seasonings will form a flavorful crust when grilled.

Setting Up the Grill for King Crab Legs

To achieve tender interiors and crispy char on the shells, you need high, direct heat. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to 450-500°F. Use all burners or pile coals to create a hot zone.

Also, have a rimmed baking sheet handy. You’ll place the crab legs on this pan then transfer them directly onto the grill grates. The pan catches any juices and makes moving the legs easier.

Grilling Times for Perfectly Cooked Legs

King crab legs cook quickly, so watch them carefully. Grill thawed, cut legs for 4-5 minutes per side. Thicker legs may need a minute or two longer. Flip the legs halfway through.

Here are estimated grill times:

• Thawed, cut legs: 8-10 minutes total
• Thawed, uncut legs: 10-12 minutes total
• Frozen, cut legs: 14-16 minutes total

Frozen legs should be thawed for best results. But if using frozen, go low and slow over indirect heat, farther from the coals or burners.

Judging Doneness

Checking doneness for king crab legs relies on sight and feel:

• Shells turn bright red-orange

• Meat opaque and milky white

• Press meat with tongs for firmness

• Meat splits cleanly rather than sticking to the shell

Err on the side of slightly undercooked since you can always put them back on the grill for another minute. But overcooked king crab gets rubbery and dry.

Serving Up Grilled Crab Legs

Once cooked to tender perfection, transfer the hot crab legs to a serving platter. Provide small mallets, crab crackers, and picks for easily accessing the meat.

Serve with melted butter for dipping, lemon wedges, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or boiled new potatoes.

A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the sweet crab. Enjoy your summer seafood feast!

Grilling Tips for Perfect Crab Every Time

• Always grill thawed king crab legs for best results.

• Cut the shells prior to grilling so seasonings can penetrate and meat cooks faster.

• Grill over high, direct heat to sear the shells while cooking the insides.

• Flip halfway through cooking for even exposure to heat.

• Judge doneness by checking shell color, meat opacity, and texture when pressed.

• Resist overcooking to prevent drying out the delicate crab meat.

Grilling King Crab Legs in Foil Packets

For mess-free, fuss-free grilled crab legs, try the foil packet method. Simply place legs drizzled with butter and seasoning into a foil packet. Seal tightly and grill over direct medium heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The steam inside perfectly cooks the crab while infusing it with flavors.

Common Questions about Grilling King Crab Legs

How long should I grill previously frozen crab legs?

Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge before grilling. Cook thawed, cut legs for 14-16 minutes total over direct high heat.

What temperature should I grill the crab legs at?

Preheat your grill to 450-500°F. You want high, direct heat to sear the shells while cooking the meat.

How do I know when they’re done grilling?

Check for opaque, milky meat, bright red shells, and meat that easily releases from the shells when fully cooked.

Can I use wooden skewers to grill the legs?

Yes, skewers work well. Soak bamboo skewers beforehand so they don’t burn. Skewering lets you easily flip the legs while grilling.

Should I grill legs in the shells or out?

Leave legs in the shell while grilling. The shells protect the delicate meat and become part of the presentation.

Enjoy Perfectly Grilled King Crab at Home

Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor to sweet, briny king crab legs. With these tips, you can achieve tender interiors and crispy charred shells every time. Grill thawed legs over direct high heat for 10-15 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for white opaque meat, bright shells, and flexibility when pressed.

Serve your grilled king crab legs with melted butter, fresh lemon, and ice-cold white wine. This makes for an impressive meal that tastes like summer. Now get ready to master your own grilled king crab feast!