Flame Kissed Snow Crab Legs

Prepare for an unforgettable seafood experience with these incredible Grilled Snow Crab Legs. Perfect for a vibrant summer barbecue, a festive holiday gathering, or any special occasion, this recipe transforms delicate snow crab into a smoky, sweet, and succulent delicacy. Brushed generously with a luscious garlic butter sauce, their natural sweetness is beautifully enhanced. Serve them with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a gourmet seafood feast that is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

What Are Snow Crab Legs: A Delicate Delicacy from the Deep

Snow crab legs, often a highlight of any seafood menu, come from the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), a species found predominantly in the chilly, pristine waters of the Northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, particularly the Bering Sea. These crabs thrive in cold, deep environments, which contributes to their sweet, succulent, and delicate meat. Unlike some other crab species, snow crab meat is characterized by its brilliant white to light pink color and a texture that is both tender and flaky. They are usually sold in clusters, meaning a portion of the body is attached to several legs, making them relatively easy to handle and crack open for their rich contents.

Beyond their exquisite taste, snow crab legs offer a good source of lean protein, essential minerals like zinc and selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. Their mild flavor profile makes them incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of seasonings and sauces, though many connoisseurs prefer them simply with drawn butter to celebrate their natural essence.

Why Grill Them: The Superior Cooking Method for Unforgettable Flavor

While snow crab legs are delicious prepared in many ways—steamed, boiled, or baked—grilling stands out as a superior method for several compelling reasons. Grilling infuses the crab meat with a distinctive smoky char that complements its natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that other cooking techniques simply cannot achieve. This method is also remarkably efficient, allowing you to prepare a large batch of crab legs simultaneously, which is ideal for gatherings, parties, or family dinners.

The high, direct heat of a grill cooks the crab quickly, which is crucial for retaining its moisture and preventing the meat from becoming rubbery or dry. By briefly exposing the shells to the flames, you create a perfect seal that locks in the crab’s natural juices, ensuring every bite is tender and succulent. Furthermore, grilling provides an excellent opportunity to enhance the crab’s flavor profile. Brushing the legs with a savory garlic butter sauce, infused with herbs and spices, allows these aromatic elements to permeate the shell and mingle with the sweet crab meat as it cooks, resulting in an incredibly rich and satisfying taste. The slight char on the shell also adds an appealing visual and textural dimension. Opting for the grill means less mess in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fresh air and delicious results.

The Difference Between Snow Crab and King Crab Legs: A Seafood Showdown

When it comes to premium crab legs, snow crab and king crab often steal the spotlight, but they possess distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and occasions. Understanding these differences will help you choose the perfect crab for your next culinary adventure.

Snow Crab Legs

• Appearance and Size: Snow crab legs are generally thinner and longer than king crab legs. They are typically sold in clusters, with a portion of the body attached to multiple legs (usually 4 or more). A single snow crab weighs around 1 to 2 pounds.
• Shell: They have a smoother, more pliable shell, which makes them considerably easier to crack and manage with just your hands or kitchen shears.
• Meat: The meat is delicate, sweet, and flaky, with a white to light pink hue. It tends to be less dense than king crab meat.
• Flavor Profile: Snow crab offers a mild, slightly sweet ocean flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces and seasonings without being overpowering.
• Availability: Snow crab is harvested year-round, making it more consistently available in markets.
• Price Point: Generally more affordable than king crab, making it a great option for larger gatherings or more frequent indulgence.

King Crab Legs

• Appearance and Size: King crab legs are significantly larger and thicker, with a more robust appearance. They are often sold individually or in bundles of one or more legs, rather than full clusters. Mature king crabs can be massive, with leg spans up to 6 feet and weighing up to 18 pounds.
• Shell: King crab legs boast a formidable, spiky, and hard shell that usually requires specialized crab crackers or strong kitchen shears to break open.
• Meat: The meat is notably richer, firmer, and more succulent than snow crab. It has a deeper red color when cooked.
• Flavor Profile: King crab is renowned for its intensely sweet, buttery, and luxurious flavor. Many describe it as more “meaty” and decadent.
• Availability: King crab harvesting is seasonal, typically occurring in the fall and winter months, which can affect its availability and price.
• Price Point: Due to its larger size, premium taste, and more limited harvesting seasons, king crab is considerably more expensive than snow crab.

In summary, while both offer a delightful seafood experience, snow crab provides a sweet, delicate, and easy-to-eat option perfect for casual grilling, while king crab offers a richer, more luxurious, and substantial treat for special occasions.

How to Buy and Shop for Crab Legs: A Guide to Freshness and Quality

Navigating the seafood market for the best crab legs can be simple if you know what to look for. The vast majority of crab legs available for purchase, whether snow or king crab, will come to you pre-cooked and often frozen. This is a standard industry practice: soon after being caught, the crabs are typically cooked directly on the fishing vessel and then flash-frozen to preserve their freshness, flavor, and texture. This rapid freezing process ensures that when you thaw and reheat them, they retain their delicious quality.

Key Indicators When Shopping:

• Color: Cooked crab legs will always appear bright orange or red. If the crab legs you are buying are already this color, they have been cooked. This means your task at home is simply to reheat them thoroughly, not to cook them from raw.
• Frozen vs. Thawed: While many retailers sell crab legs thawed, it’s important to understand that these have most likely been thawed from a frozen state. If you purchase thawed crab legs, plan to cook them within a day or two and do not refreeze them. For optimal freshness and control over the thawing process, buying them frozen is often the best choice.
• Reputable Source: Always purchase crab legs from a trusted seafood vendor or grocery store with a high turnover of seafood. This ensures you’re getting a quality product that has been stored correctly.
• Packaging: Look for packages that are tightly sealed with no signs of freezer burn (ice crystals or discoloration), which can indicate that the crab has been stored improperly or for too long.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently select the best snow crab legs for your grilling adventure, ensuring a delicious and safe meal.

Preparing Snow Crab Legs for the Grill: Getting Ready for Flavor

Before your snow crab legs hit the grill, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Since most snow crab legs are sold pre-cooked and frozen, the primary steps involve proper thawing and preparing them to receive that delicious garlic butter infusion.

Thawing is Essential

Never grill crab legs directly from frozen. Grilling frozen crab can lead to uneven cooking, where the outside gets charred while the inside remains cold, or worse, the meat becomes watery and loses its delicate texture. Always thaw your crab legs completely before grilling. We will discuss thawing methods in detail below.

Pre-Splitting for Optimal Flavor and Ease

For the best grilling results and a truly infused flavor, consider pre-splitting the crab legs. You can use sharp kitchen shears or a sturdy knife to carefully cut along one side of the shell. This exposes more of the sweet crab meat directly to the heat and the savory garlic butter sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. It also makes for much easier eating straight off the grill, as your guests won’t have to struggle with cracking hot shells.

The Perfect Butter Sauce Application

Once thawed and, if desired, pre-split, the crab legs are ready for their flavor coating. Prepare your garlic butter sauce (recipe below) and generously brush it over all surfaces of the crab legs, paying special attention to any exposed meat. This step is critical for developing that rich, aromatic crust and keeping the meat moist during grilling.

By following these simple preparation steps, you’ll set the stage for perfectly grilled snow crab legs that are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to enjoy.

How to Grill Snow Crab Legs: A Simple Guide to Perfection

Grilling snow crab legs is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked, smoky, and tender crab every time. Detailed measurements for the garlic butter sauce can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat Your Grill: Begin by preheating your outdoor grill to a medium-high temperature, aiming for around 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the grill is hot before adding the crab legs is crucial for a good sear and efficient cooking. Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Crab Legs: While the grill heats, ensure your snow crab legs are fully thawed. Lightly brush them all over with your prepared garlic butter sauce. If you’ve chosen to pre-split the shells, make sure to brush the sauce directly onto the exposed meat for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the buttered crab legs directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. The goal is to heat them through, infuse them with smoky flavor, and achieve a slight char on the shell, all while keeping the delicate meat moist and tender. Avoid pressing down on the crab legs, as this can squeeze out valuable juices.
4. Rest and Serve: Once grilled, remove the crab legs from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes before splitting and serving. This brief resting period allows the internal temperatures to equalize and the juices to redistribute, ensuring every piece is succulent. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and the remaining garlic butter sauce for dipping.

Knowing When Your Crab Legs are Perfectly Cooked

Since most snow crab legs are sold pre-cooked, your objective when grilling is not to cook them from raw, but rather to reheat them thoroughly and infuse them with that fantastic smoky flavor. Knowing exactly when they are done is key to preventing overcooking, which can lead to dry, rubbery meat.

The exterior color of the crab legs (orange or red) won’t change much on the grill, as this color is a result of their initial cooking. Instead, focus on the appearance of the meat itself. Perfectly reheated crab meat will be:

• Pearly White and Opaque: The flesh inside the shell should be uniformly pearly white and opaque, not translucent or grayish. This is the most reliable indicator.
• Check the Shoulder: Pay particular attention to the “shoulder” section – the larger, meatier part where the legs meet the body cluster. If this area is pearly white and warm throughout, the crab is ready.
• Easily Separates: When properly heated, the meat should separate easily from the shell. If it sticks stubbornly, it might need another minute or two on the grill, or it could be a sign of slight underheating.
• Warm to the Touch: The ultimate test is internal temperature. While difficult to measure precisely without a thermometer, the meat should be steaming hot.

Remember, the short grilling time (4-5 minutes per side) is generally sufficient for thawing and reheating pre-cooked snow crab legs. Keep a close eye on them to avoid the common pitfall of overcooking. For more detailed insights into various cooking methods for crab legs, you can explore resources like our guide on How to Cook Crab Legs.

Thawing Frozen Crab Legs Safely and Effectively

Properly thawing frozen snow crab legs is a critical step to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their delicate texture and flavor on the grill. Never attempt to grill crab legs from a frozen state, as this will result in unevenly cooked, watery, and tough meat.

There are two primary methods for thawing frozen crab legs:

1. Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended for Best Results): This is the safest and most recommended method, as it allows the crab to thaw slowly and evenly, preserving its quality.
   • Place the frozen crab legs in a large bowl or on a tray to catch any drips.
   • Transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours, depending on the thickness and quantity. Larger quantities or thicker legs may take longer.
   • Once thawed, consume or cook them within 1-2 days.
2. Cold Water Thawing (For Quicker Thawing): If you’re short on time, this method can speed up the process.
   • Place the frozen crab legs in a large bowl or clean sink.
   • Fill the container with cool (not warm or hot) tap water. Ensure the crab legs are fully submerged.
   • Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool and prevent bacterial growth.
   • Smaller quantities of crab legs may thaw in 30-60 minutes, while larger clusters can take 1-2 hours.
   • Never use hot water, as this can start to cook the outer layers of the crab and compromise its texture.

After thawing by either method, pat the crab legs dry with paper towels before seasoning and grilling. This helps achieve a better char and prevents steaming on the grill.

The Danger of Overcooking Crab: Preserve That Delicate Texture

One of the most common mistakes when preparing crab legs, especially pre-cooked ones like snow crab, is overcooking. Since the crab is already fully cooked when you purchase it, your goal on the grill is simply to reheat it thoroughly and infuse it with flavor, not to cook it further. Overcooking can quickly turn the naturally sweet and tender meat into a dry, rubbery, and unappetizing experience.

Here’s why avoiding overcooking is crucial and how to prevent it:

• Texture Loss: Crab meat, when overcooked, loses its delicate, flaky texture and becomes tough and chewy. The natural moisture is leached out, leaving you with dry strands instead of succulent bites.
• Flavor Diminishment: Excessive heat can diminish the subtle, sweet flavor of the crab, replacing it with a bland or even slightly metallic taste.
• Recommended Grilling Time: For pre-cooked snow crab legs, a grilling time of about 3 to 4 minutes per side at medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C) is typically sufficient. This short duration allows the crab to heat through, absorb smoky notes, and get a nice char without drying out.
• Visual and Internal Cues: As mentioned earlier, rely on visual cues like pearly white, opaque meat, particularly at the shoulder. The moment the meat is hot throughout and easily pulls from the shell, it’s done.
• Consistent Heat: Grilling at a consistent medium-high heat helps prevent localized scorching while ensuring the entire leg warms up evenly. Avoid extremely high heat, which can cook the outside too quickly while the inside remains cool.

By being mindful of cooking times and relying on the indicators of doneness, you can ensure your grilled snow crab legs remain wonderfully tender, juicy, and full of their exquisite natural flavor.

How Much Crab Do You Need Per Person: Planning Your Seafood Feast

When planning a seafood feast centered around grilled snow crab legs, knowing how much to buy is key to ensuring everyone gets their fill without excessive leftovers. The general recommendation for snow crab legs is:

• For a Main Course: Plan for about 1.5 pounds of snow crab legs per person. This amount usually provides a satisfying portion for most adults, especially if accompanied by side dishes.
• For Hearty Eaters or if Crab is the Star: If your guests are particularly fond of crab, or if the crab is the primary dish with minimal sides, consider increasing the amount to 2 pounds per person. This guarantees an abundant supply and ensures even the biggest appetites are satisfied.
• As an Appetizer or Part of a Larger Spread: If snow crab legs are just one component of a multi-dish spread or served as an appetizer, you can reduce the amount to 0.5 to 1 pound per person.

Factors to Consider:

• Appetite of Guests: Are your guests light eaters or known seafood enthusiasts?
• Other Dishes: How many other main courses or substantial side dishes will be served? More sides mean you might need less crab.
• Budget: Crab legs can be a premium item, so your budget will also play a role in determining quantities.

It’s always better to have a little too much than not enough, especially when serving something as delicious as grilled snow crab. The joy of a bountiful crab feast is part of the experience!

Splitting and Cracking Crab Legs with Ease

Enjoying snow crab legs often involves a bit of work to get to that sweet meat, but with the right technique, it can be a simple and satisfying process. Snow crab shells are generally thinner and smoother than those of king crab, making them easier to manage.

Methods for Cracking:

1. By Hand (The Easiest Way for Snow Crab):
   • Hold a crab leg horizontally with one hand, positioning the flatter, back side of the leg facing you.
   • Using your thumb and index finger, apply firm pressure to the middle of the leg, or about a quarter of the way up from the bottom joint. You should feel the shell begin to crack.
   • Once cracked, gently pull the leg apart. The goal is to separate the shell cleanly and retrieve a long, intact piece of meat.
2. Using Kitchen Shears: If you find hand-cracking difficult or prefer a cleaner cut, kitchen shears are an excellent tool.
   • Carefully cut along one side of the shell, from one end to the other.
   • Gently peel back the cut shell to expose the meat. This method is particularly useful for pre-splitting before grilling to allow butter and smoke to penetrate.
3. Crab Crackers: While less necessary for snow crab, traditional crab crackers can also be used if preferred, especially for thicker sections.

Troubleshooting Stuck Meat:

Occasionally, a piece of meat might get stuck inside a shell segment. Don’t fret! A small fork, a seafood pick, or even the tip of a knife can be used to carefully extract the delicious morsel. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with every last bit of tender crab.

Reheating Leftover Crab Legs: Best Practices to Preserve Quality

While freshly grilled snow crab legs are undeniably at their peak, sometimes you might have leftovers. Reheating crab legs can be tricky, as the delicate meat is highly susceptible to drying out or becoming rubbery. The general consensus among seafood lovers is to avoid reheating if possible, or to do so with extreme care.

Why Reheating Can Be Challenging:

Crab meat, being very lean, loses moisture quickly when exposed to heat again. Overheating will inevitably lead to a dry, tough texture and diminished flavor. Many prefer to serve leftover crab legs cold, perhaps in a salad, or mixed into other dishes where its texture won’t be the sole focus.

If You Must Reheat:

If you genuinely prefer warm leftovers, here are the best methods to minimize quality loss:

1. Sauté in a Pan (Recommended):
   • Melt a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Add the cracked or split crab legs to the pan.
   • Sauté gently for 3-5 minutes, turning frequently, until just warmed through. Avoid high heat. The butter will help keep the meat moist.
2. Steaming:
   • Place a steamer basket in a large pot with about an inch of water.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   • Arrange the crab legs in the basket, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Oven Baking (Least Recommended for Speed, but Gentle):
   • Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
   • Wrap crab legs loosely in aluminum foil to create a packet, perhaps with a splash of water or butter inside.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through.

Pro Tip for Planned Leftovers:

If you anticipate having leftovers, consider cracking the crab legs before refrigerating them. Meat tends to stick to the shell more stubbornly once it has cooled and been refrigerated, making it harder to extract later. Pre-cracking can save you effort and ensure you get all that delicious meat!

Perfect Pairings for Your Grilled Crab Feast

Grilled snow crab legs, with their delicate sweetness and smoky notes, are a star on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary side dishes. Elevate your seafood feast with these delicious accompaniments that offer a balance of flavors and textures:

Fresh & Vibrant Sides:

• Grilled Asparagus in Foil: Simple, tender, and perfectly charred, grilled asparagus offers a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich crab.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic: Earthy and nutty, roasted Brussels sprouts provide a delightful textural contrast and robust flavor.

Hearty & Comforting Accompaniments:

• Steakhouse Creamed Spinach: Indulgent and creamy, this classic side adds a luxurious touch that complements the richness of the crab.
• Smoked Sweet Potatoes: The inherent sweetness of smoked sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the crab, while the smoky flavor enhances the overall grilled theme.
• Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, tangy, and utterly comforting, these mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter.

Flavorful Dipping Sauces:

Don’t forget an extra dipping sauce to tantalize the taste buds! While our garlic butter sauce is exceptional, consider drizzling your crab with our Seafood Garlic Boil Sauce for an added layer of zesty, savory deliciousness.

Explore More Crab Recipes: Dive Deeper into Crab Culinary Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the exquisite taste of crab, there’s a whole world of culinary creations waiting to be explored. From comforting classics to innovative dishes, crab’s versatility shines through in these additional recipes:

• Crab Risotto: A creamy, luxurious rice dish infused with delicate crab flavor.
• Creamy Crab Bisque: A rich and velvety soup, perfect for a cozy evening.
• Seafood Boil in a Bag: An effortless and flavorful way to enjoy a variety of seafood, including crab.
• Grilled King Crab Legs: For those who prefer a larger, richer crab experience on the grill.
• Grilled Snow Crab Legs: (You are here!) Revisit your favorite grilled snow crab.
• Smoked Crab Legs: An alternative slow-cooking method that imparts a deep smoky essence.
• Crab Quiche: A savory, elegant tart perfect for brunch or a light meal.
• Dungeness Crab Legs: Explore another popular Pacific crab known for its sweet, slightly nutty flavor.

Expand your culinary repertoire and enjoy the incredible flavors that crab has to offer in these diverse and delicious preparations.

Grilled Snow Crab Legs Recipe Card

Brandi Crawford

These Grilled Snow Crab Legs are perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner. Brushed with a garlic butter sauce, their natural sweetness shines. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for an impressive seafood feast.

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Course

dinner, lunch

Cuisine

American

Servings

2 servings

Calories

620 kcal

Equipment

• Grill

Ingredients

• 3-3 ½ pounds snow crab legs

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
• 6 garlic cloves, Minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high, approximately 350°F (175°C).

2. Place the thawed crab legs on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, brushing with garlic butter sauce periodically.

3. Remove from grill and allow to cool slightly before splitting the crab legs and serving with extra sauce and lemon.

Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Combine all of the garlic butter sauce ingredients (melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, minced garlic, and Old Bay Seasoning) in a small bowl and stir until well combined. Use as a brush-on sauce during grilling or as a delicious dipping sauce.

Chef’s Notes

• Crab should be cooked until the flesh is pearly white and opaque. You won’t be able to tell much by the outside color, because when you bought them they were already pre-cooked and orange. Examine the shoulder (this is the large white part of the cluster). It should be pearly white.
• You can use snow crab legs or king crab legs. Note that king crab legs are thicker and will typically require a longer grilling time, usually 5-7 minutes on each side, to heat through properly.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning in the garlic butter sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or more herbs for freshness.
• For easier eating and better flavor penetration, consider splitting the crab shells with kitchen shears before grilling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1.5pounds

Calories: 620kcal

Carbohydrates: 6g

Protein: 91g

Fat: 23g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.