Grilled King Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Indulge in the ultimate seafood experience with grilled king crab legs, expertly prepared and served with a luxurious, homemade garlic butter dipping sauce. This exquisite dish offers succulent, sweet crab meat encased in a beautifully charred shell, enhancing its natural flavors with a subtle smoky aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or seeking to impress your guests, grilling king crab legs is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly rewarding culinary adventure that promises a memorable feast.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

What Are King Crab Legs?

King crab, primarily sourced from the icy waters of the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, represents the pinnacle of premium seafood. Renowned for their impressive size and distinctive appearance, king crab legs feature a robust, prickly shell that encases an abundance of delicate, sweet meat. Unlike many other crab varieties, king crab legs are typically sold individually or in small bundles, reflecting their substantial size and high value per pound. Their flesh is notably more tender and possesses a sweeter, richer flavor profile compared to their snow crab counterparts, making them a sought-after delicacy for special occasions and gourmet meals.

Beyond their luxurious taste, king crab legs are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. While often celebrated when simply boiled or steamed, allowing their natural sweetness to shine, they also lend themselves beautifully to other cooking methods. Grilling, baking, or sautéing can introduce additional layers of flavor and texture, from a smoky char to a crisp exterior. They are traditionally served with a side of drawn butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon, which perfectly complements the crab’s inherent richness. Whether enjoyed as an opulent appetizer or the centerpiece of a lavish main course, king crab legs offer an unforgettable dining experience.

Why Grill King Crab Legs?

Grilling king crab legs offers a distinct and superior culinary experience that sets it apart from traditional boiling or steaming. Their impressive size makes them ideal for the grill, often fitting more comfortably than in smaller pots or pans. The intense, direct heat of the grill imparts an irresistible smoky flavor and a beautiful char to the exterior of the shell, which in turn caramelizes the natural sugars in the crab meat, amplifying its inherent sweetness.

One of the primary advantages of grilling is its speed and efficiency. King crab legs are typically pre-cooked, meaning the goal of grilling is to reheat them thoroughly while adding flavor, not to cook raw meat. This rapid cooking process ensures that the succulent meat inside remains incredibly moist and tender, preventing it from drying out—a common pitfall of overcooking. Furthermore, grilling provides an excellent opportunity to infuse the crab with additional flavors. Brushing the legs with herb-infused butter, garlic, or a squeeze of citrus during grilling allows these aromas to penetrate the meat, creating a more complex and delectable dish.

Beyond the enhanced flavor and texture, grilling king crab legs transforms a meal into an event. The visual appeal of beautifully charred, butter-brushed crab legs fresh off the grill is undeniable, creating an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. It’s a fantastic alternative cooking method that truly unlocks new dimensions of taste and enjoyment, making your king crab feast unforgettable.

King Crab vs. Snow Crab: Understanding the Difference

While both king crab and snow crab are highly prized for their sweet, delicate meat, they possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them in terms of appearance, flavor, and culinary application. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice for your next seafood meal.

Size and Appearance: King crabs are significantly larger than snow crabs, with impressive leg spans that can reach up to six feet across and bodies weighing up to 18 pounds. Their shells are thick, hard, and covered in noticeable spines or “prickles.” Snow crabs, in contrast, are much smaller, typically weighing 1-2 pounds, and have a smoother, thinner shell that is easier to crack. Snow crab legs are usually sold in clusters, with at least four legs and a claw attached, whereas king crab is often sold as individual legs or in smaller bundles due to its immense size.

Flavor and Texture: King crab is widely celebrated for its remarkably sweet, rich, and delicate flavor, often described as more succulent and tender than snow crab. The meat has a pristine white color with streaks of red, offering a truly luxurious texture. Snow crab, while still sweet, tends to have a slightly milder flavor and a fibrous texture. Its meat is typically white to light pink.

Cost and Availability: Due to their larger size, more laborious harvesting methods, and superior flavor profile, king crab legs are considerably more expensive per pound than snow crab. King crab is typically harvested in the fall and winter months, while snow crab is available year-round. Both are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen to preserve freshness.

Cooking Considerations: Both types of crab can be cooked using similar methods, but the larger size of king crab legs means they will require a slightly longer cooking or reheating time compared to snow crab legs. When grilling, the thicker shell of king crab also contributes to a more pronounced smoky char, adding to its unique appeal.

How to Buy and Shop for the Best King Crab Legs

Selecting high-quality king crab legs is crucial for an exceptional dining experience. Since king crab is a premium product, knowing what to look for can ensure you get the best value and flavor. Most king crab legs available in stores are pre-cooked and flash-frozen shortly after being caught and processed on fishing boats. This immediate freezing process is vital for preserving their delicate flavor and texture, capturing the crab at its peak freshness.

When shopping, you’ll typically find king crab legs in the frozen seafood section. If they are sold thawed, it means they have been previously frozen. A good indicator that the crab legs have already been cooked is their vibrant orange or red color. Raw crab legs are typically a dull greenish-brown and turn red upon cooking. Therefore, when you prepare them at home, you are primarily reheating them and adding flavor, not cooking them from raw.

Look for legs that appear plump and firm within their shells. Avoid any packages with excessive ice crystals, which can indicate repeated thawing and refreezing, potentially compromising the quality and leading to freezer burn. While a slight discoloration might occur with frozen products, significant dark spots or an ammonia-like smell (if thawed) are red flags indicating spoilage. Purchase from reputable seafood markets or grocery stores with good turnover to ensure freshness. For the best experience, try to select legs that are uniform in size, as this will ensure even reheating on the grill.

Preparing King Crab Legs for the Grill

Proper preparation is key to grilling king crab legs to perfection. While the process is relatively straightforward, a few steps can significantly enhance the final taste and texture of your dish.

Thawing King Crab Legs

Before grilling, ensure your king crab legs are fully thawed. Grilling frozen crab is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking, with the exterior burning before the interior is heated through, resulting in tough or rubbery meat. You have two main options for thawing:

1. Overnight in the Refrigerator: This is the safest and most recommended method. Place the frozen crab legs in a large bowl or on a tray (to catch any drips) and refrigerate them overnight, allowing at least 8-12 hours for complete thawing.
2. Quick Cold Water Thaw: For a faster approach, place the frozen crab legs in a large bowl or clean sink and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold and expedite the thawing process. Depending on the size, this can take 30 minutes to an hour. Do not use hot water, as this can begin to cook the crab unevenly and negatively affect its texture.

Scoring the Shells (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure even heating and allow the delicious garlic butter to penetrate the meat, consider scoring or pre-splitting the crab legs before grilling. Using sharp kitchen shears or a heavy-duty knife, carefully cut along the underside of the shell. This creates openings that facilitate better heat distribution and makes it much easier for diners to extract the tender meat without a struggle. While optional, this step significantly enhances the eating experience and allows for maximum flavor absorption.

How to Grill King Crab Legs for Perfection

Grilling king crab legs is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. The key is to reheat them thoroughly without overcooking, while imparting that signature smoky char. Here’s a detailed guide to achieving grilled perfection:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (175-200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the grill grates are hot enough to create a nice sear and char quickly.
2. Prepare the Crab Legs: As mentioned, ensure your king crab legs are fully thawed. If you opted to score them, this is the time to do it. You can lightly brush the crab legs with a neutral oil (like olive or avocado oil) to prevent sticking and promote a more even char, though this is optional if you’re using a well-seasoned grill.
3. Grill the Crab Legs: Place the thawed king crab legs directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your crab legs and the intensity of your grill. You are looking for a beautiful reddish-orange hue, distinct grill marks, and for the meat inside to be thoroughly heated.
4. Apply Garlic Butter (Optional): During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the crab legs generously with your homemade garlic butter sauce. This allows the butter to melt and infuse its aromatic flavors directly into the crab meat, creating an even more decadent experience. Be mindful not to apply butter too early, as it can cause flare-ups if it drips onto the coals.
5. Rest and Serve: Once heated through, carefully remove the crab legs from the grill. Allow them to rest for a minute or two before serving. This brief resting period helps redistribute the internal moisture, ensuring juicy, tender meat.

Remember, these are already cooked, so you’re really just warming them up and adding that fantastic grilled flavor. The goal is warm, succulent crab, not dry and rubbery!

Knowing When Your Grilled King Crab Legs Are Done

Determining when your grilled king crab legs are perfectly reheated is crucial for maintaining their tender texture and sweet flavor. Since nearly all king crab legs are sold pre-cooked, their vibrant red-orange shell color upon purchase is not an indicator of doneness. Instead, you need to focus on the internal characteristics of the meat.

The best way to tell if king crab legs are ready is to examine the flesh. It should be opaque and pearly white throughout. A common spot to check is the largest part of the leg, often referred to as the “shoulder” or “knuckle” section where the leg connects to the body. Carefully crack open a small section or peek into a scored area. If the meat appears translucent or greyish, it needs more time on the grill. However, if it’s uniformly pearly white and steaming hot, your crab legs are perfectly done.

You can also use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the shell) to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 130-140°F (54-60°C). While this is a guideline for reheating, the visual cues of the meat’s color and texture are often sufficient. The key is to achieve a warm, succulent interior without overcooking, which can quickly lead to dry, rubbery crab.

Thawing King Crab Legs: Safely and Efficiently

Proper thawing is an essential preliminary step for grilling king crab legs. Attempting to grill them from a frozen state is highly discouraged, as it results in uneven heating, with the exterior potentially scorching while the interior remains cold or underheated. This can compromise both the texture and flavor of the delicate crab meat.

There are two primary methods for safely and efficiently thawing your king crab legs:

1. Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended Method): This is the safest and most gentle way to thaw king crab legs, preserving their quality. Place the frozen crab legs in a large, shallow dish or pan to catch any condensation or drips. Transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours. Larger legs might require a full 24 hours. The slow, controlled thawing environment minimizes moisture loss and helps maintain the crab’s delicate texture.
2. Cold Water Thawing (Faster Method): If you’re short on time, you can thaw king crab legs more quickly using cold water. Place the frozen crab legs in a clean sink or a large bowl. Fill the basin with cold tap water, ensuring the crab legs are fully submerged. It’s crucial to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it consistently cold and facilitate the thawing process. Depending on the size and quantity of the legs, this method can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Never use hot or warm water, as this can partially cook the crab, leading to a rubbery texture and potential food safety issues.

Once thawed, pat the crab legs dry with paper towels before placing them on the grill. This helps achieve a better char and prevents excess moisture from steaming the crab instead of grilling it.

The Danger of Overcooking King Crab Legs

When it comes to delicate seafood like king crab, overcooking is arguably the biggest culinary sin. Since most king crab legs are pre-cooked before they reach your kitchen, the primary goal of grilling (or any heating method) is simply to warm them through and add flavor, not to cook them from a raw state. This crucial detail means that cooking times should be kept short and precise.

Overcooking king crab legs, even by a few minutes, can transform their naturally sweet, succulent, and tender meat into a dry, chewy, and rubbery disappointment. The delicate protein structure of crab meat quickly tightens and expels moisture when exposed to excessive heat, stripping away its luxurious texture and much of its exquisite flavor. The subtle sweetness that makes king crab so highly prized will diminish, leaving behind a less enjoyable experience.

To avoid this common pitfall, it’s vital to grill king crab legs at a medium-high heat for a short duration, typically around 5 to 7 minutes per side for king crab (snow crab legs will be even quicker, usually 3-4 minutes per side). Pay close attention to the visual cues of the meat being pearly white and opaque. Using a timer can be helpful, but trust your senses—a quick check of the internal meat for warmth and tenderness is often the best indicator. Remember, a perfectly grilled king crab leg is tender, juicy, and bursts with natural flavor, making the effort to avoid overcooking well worth it.

How Much King Crab Do You Need Per Person?

Planning the right amount of king crab per person is essential for a satisfying meal, especially given its premium cost. The ideal serving size can vary depending on whether the crab is being served as a main course or as part of a larger meal with several side dishes.

For a generous main course, where king crab is the star of the show, a good rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds of king crab legs per person. This amount ensures that each diner has plenty of succulent meat to enjoy, allowing for seconds or a hearty appetite. If you’re hosting a special occasion or if your guests are particularly fond of seafood, aiming for 2 pounds per person is a safe bet to ensure everyone leaves feeling completely satisfied.

If the grilled king crab legs are intended as an appetizer or are part of a larger spread featuring other main dishes, you can reduce the portion size slightly. In such cases, 0.5 to 1 pound per person might be sufficient. Consider the overall menu and your guests’ preferences when making your final decision. Remember, it’s always better to have a little extra than to run short, especially with such a coveted delicacy.

Effortlessly Splitting and Cracking King Crab Legs

While the hard, spiky shell of king crab can seem daunting, splitting and cracking the legs is surprisingly easy with the right tools and technique. Pre-splitting the legs before serving not only makes it easier for your guests to access the delicious meat but also allows butter and seasonings to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the flavor. You’ll need a sharp pair of kitchen shears or a heavy-duty knife for this task. Many home cooks find good quality kitchen shears to be the easiest and safest tool.

Here’s how to split and crack king crab legs effectively:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Place the king crab leg on a sturdy cutting board or other hard, stable surface. This provides a secure base and protects your countertops.
2. Identify the Soft Spot: The underside of a king crab leg typically has a softer, flatter membrane, which is the easiest part to cut through. Position the leg so this side is facing up.
3. Snip with Shears: Hold the crab leg firmly with one hand. Using your kitchen shears, carefully snip along the length of the underside of the leg, cutting through the shell. You may need to make multiple cuts, especially around the joints, to fully open the shell.
4. Separate Sections (Optional): For very large legs or to make them more manageable, you can twist and gently pull to separate the different sections at the joints.
5. Open and Serve: Once cut, you can gently pry open the shell with your hands to expose the meat, or leave it partially attached so guests can fully crack it at the table. A fork or crab cracker can then be used to easily remove the sweet meat.

Always exercise caution when cutting and twisting the legs to prevent accidental injury. The goal is to make the crab meat accessible and enjoyable without undue effort, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for everyone.

Reheating King Crab Legs: Best Practices

While grilled king crab legs are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, sometimes you might have leftovers. Reheating crab meat can be tricky, as it’s very easy to overcook and turn it rubbery. For this reason, many connoisseurs recommend serving them with warm butter as the primary temperature adjustment, rather than attempting to fully reheat them.

If you anticipate having leftovers, a smart strategy is to crack the crab legs before storing them. Once the meat cools and the shell hardens further, it becomes significantly more challenging to extract the meat without damage. Cracking them beforehand makes post-meal enjoyment much simpler.

However, if you absolutely must reheat them, the key is to do so gently and quickly to avoid drying out the delicate meat:

1. Stovetop Sauté: The most recommended method for reheating is to sauté the cracked crab meat (or entire cracked legs) in a pan with a little oil or butter over medium-low heat. Cook just until warmed through, usually 2-3 minutes. This method allows you to control the heat closely and infuse more flavor.
2. Oven Reheating: For whole legs, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250-275°F (120-135°C). Place the crab legs on a baking sheet, possibly with a splash of water or broth and covered with foil to create a steaming effect, keeping them moist. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until just warm.
3. Grill Reheating: If you’re already grilling other items, you can briefly place leftover crab legs on a cooler part of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with butter. Be extremely cautious not to overcook.

Always aim to warm, not re-cook, the crab. Overheating will result in tough, dry, and flavorless meat, spoiling the experience.

Perfect Pairings for Your Grilled King Crab Feast

A magnificent grilled king crab leg feast deserves equally impressive side dishes that complement its rich, sweet flavor without overpowering it. The right accompaniments can elevate your meal, creating a balanced and unforgettable dining experience. Here are some fantastic recipes that pair beautifully with grilled king crab legs:

• Grilled Asparagus in Foil: The earthy, slightly bitter notes of grilled asparagus provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the crab. Grilling them in foil keeps them tender and infused with smoky flavor.
• Steakhouse Creamed Spinach: This classic, rich, and creamy side dish adds a touch of indulgence and savory depth that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
• Smoked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and subtle smoky flavor of smoked sweet potatoes echo the grilled crab, creating a harmonious and comforting combination.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes offer a comforting texture and neutral base that absorbs the rich flavors of the garlic butter and crab.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic: The slightly bitter, caramelized notes of roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when infused with garlic, provide a delicious counterpoint to the sweet crab meat.

For an intensely garlicky dipping sauce, consider incorporating Air Fryer Roasted Garlic. Roasting mellows the garlic’s pungency, creating a deep, sweet, and aromatic addition to your butter sauce.

Explore More Delicious Crab Recipes

If your love for crab extends beyond these glorious grilled king crab legs, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of crab recipes waiting to be explored, each offering unique flavors and textures. From comforting risottos to hearty bisques and exciting boils, crab meat can be transformed into an array of delightful dishes. Here are some more crab-centric recipes to inspire your next culinary creation:

• Crab Risotto: A creamy, indulgent rice dish infused with the sweet flavor of crab.
• Creamy Crab Bisque: A rich and smooth soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
• Seafood Boil in a Bag: A fun, customizable, and easy way to enjoy a variety of seafood, including crab.
• Grilled Snow Crab Legs: A faster-cooking alternative to king crab, also delicious on the grill.
• Smoked Crab Legs: For an even deeper smoky flavor profile, smoking crab legs adds a unique twist.
• Crab Quiche: A savory pastry dish combining flaky crust with a rich, crab-filled custard.
• Dungeness Crab Legs: Another popular crab variety known for its sweet, mild flavor and tender meat.

Grilled King Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Brandi Crawford

Savor the luxurious taste of grilled king crab legs, perfectly paired with a rich garlic butter dipping sauce. This delectable dish features succulent crab meat with a smoky, charred exterior that enhances its natural sweetness. The homemade creamy garlic butter sauce is the perfect complement.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 17 mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 490 kcal

Save This Recipe for Later!

I’ll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.

(Email signup functionality removed as per instructions to strip JavaScript and dynamic elements. Please visit the original site to subscribe.)

Equipment

• Grill

Ingredients

• 3 pounds king 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, 350 degrees F (175 C).
2. Place the thawed and scored crab legs on the grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, until heated through and lightly charred.
3. Carefully remove from the grill. Allow to cool slightly before splitting the crab legs further with cooking shears if not already done.

Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Combine all of the garlic butter sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir well until thoroughly mixed. Serve this aromatic sauce warm for dipping, or brush it over the grilled crab legs for an intensified flavor.

Notes

• This recipe works beautifully with both king crab and snow crab legs. If using snow crab, adjust grilling time to 3-4 minutes per side due to their smaller size.
• Feel free to customize the spices and seasoning in the garlic butter to suit your personal taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
• Brushing the garlic butter directly onto the crab legs during grilling can be a bit messy but adds immense flavor. If you prefer a cleaner eating experience, simply serve the butter as a dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5poundsCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 65gFat: 23g

Nutrition Data

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.