Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Garlic Butter – A Mouthwatering Seafood Experience

Introduction

When it comes to a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish, nothing beats Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Garlic Butter. These perfectly grilled crab legs are tender and full of flavor, enhanced by a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with a zesty lemon kick. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just indulging in a delicious seafood treat, this recipe will elevate your meal. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

For the grilled crab legs:

• 2 pounds crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the lemon garlic butter sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. With kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut along the top shell of the crab legs to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
3. Brush the crab legs with olive oil and lemon juice, and season them generously with salt and black pepper. This adds a touch of flavor to the natural sweetness of the crab.

Step 2: Grill the Crab Legs

1. Place the crab legs on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully heated and have a slight char. Use tongs to flip them carefully to ensure even grilling.
2. Once they’re done, remove the crab legs from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Serve the Crab Legs

1. Arrange the grilled crab legs on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the warm lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the crab legs.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the crab legs immediately, accompanied by extra lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Pro Tips

• To add a smoky flavor to the butter sauce, you can grill the garlic along with the crab legs for a few minutes before mixing it into the sauce.
• If you like a creamy version of the sauce, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end.
• Serve these grilled crab legs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Grilled Crab Legs with Lemon Garlic Butter is an indulgent seafood dish that brings out the best flavors in crab. The combination of grilled, sweet crab meat and the zesty, rich lemon garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. This easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite in your seafood repertoire, perfect for any special occasion or a weeknight treat.

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