How Long to Cook Crab Legs on the Grill for Perfectly Cooked Seafood

Crab legs are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat that are perfect for grilling The sweet, succulent meat pairs wonderfully with the charred, smoky flavors from the grill While grilling crab legs is simple, knowing exactly how long to cook them is key to achieving crab leg perfection. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery meat. Overcook them and the crab meat will be dry and flavorless. So how long should you grill those coveted crab legs for peak texture and taste? Read on for tips, tricks and timing to help you nail perfectly cooked crab legs on the grill every time.

Choosing the Right Crab Legs

The first step is selecting high-quality crab legs that are fresh and thawed, if previously frozen. Good options include:

• King crab legs Prized for their tender, sweet meat and hearty size. Their thickness requires a slightly longer cook time

• Snow crab legs Delicate flavor and texture Quick cooking time due to their thinner legs,

• Dungeness crab legs: Abundant in the Pacific Northwest. Leaner meat with a rich, salty-sweet flavor.

Inspect crab legs carefully before purchasing. Look for a shiny exterior with no black spots or unpleasant odor. Refrigerate promptly and use within 2 days for best flavor.

Prepping Crab Legs for the Grill

Proper prep ensures the crab legs cook evenly from end to end. Here are some tips:

• Thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the fridge. Never thaw at room temperature.
• Rinse legs and pat dry. This prevents them from steaming versus grilling.
• Use kitchen shears to cut through the bottom shell. This allows heat to penetrate and seasoning to stick.
• Brush lightly with oil. Grapeseed or avocado oil work well for high heat.
• Season simply with salt, pepper and lemon. Avoid overseasoning the delicate crab flavor.

Setting Up the Grill

The right grill setup ensures proper cooking. Follow these guidelines:

• Use medium-high heat. This prevents burning while allowing the legs to cook through. Heat to 400-450°F.

• Place legs flesh side down first. This protects the delicate meat from direct heat.

• Close the grill lid. This traps heat and cooks the crab legs more evenly.

• Use a grill basket. It makes flipping easier and prevents sticking and loss of meat.

• Oil the grates. Brush grates with oil or use nonstick spray so legs don’t stick.

Cook Times per Crab Leg Type

Cook times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the crab legs. For reference:

• King crab legs: Grill for 7-8 minutes per side. Total time 15-17 minutes.

• Snow crab legs: Grill for 5-6 minutes per side. Total time 10-13 minutes.

• Dungeness crab legs: Grill 6-7 minutes per side. Total time 13-15 minutes.

Doneness Cues and Safety Tips

Checking for doneness visual cues prevents over or undercooking:

• Meat turns opaque and is white, not translucent.
• Shells become brightly colored.
• Meat separates easily from the shell.

Safety first! Undercooked crab can harbor bacteria. Use a food thermometer to confirm meat reaches 145°F minimum. Discard any meat with an unpleasant odor during cooking.

Serving Up Flavor

Smoky, char-kissed crab legs deserve flavorful accompaniments. Serve with:

• Melted butter – Classic pairing to dip the meat.
• Fresh lemon – Brightens the briny crab flavor.
• Garlic aioli – Elevates grilled crab’s savory essence.
• Mango salsa – Provides a sweet, tropical contrast.

Now you can grill crab leg perfection! Just follow these simple tips on prep, grill setup and cook times. In around 15 minutes, you’ll be indulging in the sweet, smoky bliss of tender crab freshly cooked over a live fire.

Grilling Crab Legs FAQ

Still have some questions on mastering cooking crab legs on the BBQ? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How do you know when crab legs are done on the grill?

Check for opaque, pearly white meat that is no longer translucent. Shells will turn more vibrant in color. Meat should separate easily from shells when fully cooked. Minimum internal temperature is 145°F.

Can you grill frozen crab legs?

Yes, frozen crab legs can go straight on the grill without thawing first. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Just be gentle when flipping to avoid cracking the frozen shells.

Should crab legs be split before grilling?

Splitting or cutting the shell before grilling allows for faster, more even cooking. Use kitchen shears to cut along the bottom side of shells.

What temperature do you grill pre-cooked crab legs?

Pre-cooked crab legs just need to be heated through over medium heat. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed to your desired temperature. Don’t overcook.

How do you grill crab legs in the shell?

Place shell-side down first to protect meat. Cook 4-5 minutes then gently flip. Cook another 4-5 minutes. Cut shells after cooking for easy meat removal.

Can you grill imitation crab legs?

Yes, imitation crab can be grilled. Since it’s already pre-cooked, grill on medium 1-2 minutes per side just until heated through with grill marks.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

You can broil or bake crab legs in the oven. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and cook 8-10 minutes per side under the broiler.

How do you grill crab legs without sticking?

Brush shells with oil before grilling. Use a grill basket for easier flipping. Or place a vegetable grill tray topped with foil under the crab legs while cooking.

So fire up your grill and get ready for the ultimate seafood feast. Perfectly grilled crab legs take advantage of the quintessential smoky flavors of the barbecue. Just follow these tips on prep, cook times and serving suggestions for tender, juicy crab leg perfection off the grill.