The Perfect Grilled Snow Crab Legs – Cooking Times and Techniques for Grilling Success

Grilling snow crab legs is a delicious way to enjoy this tender sweet shellfish. With their iconic long, slender shape and bright red shells snow crab legs make for an impressive presentation. However, achieving the ideal cook on the grill can be a bit tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with cold, chewy meat inside. Overdo it and the crab can become unpleasantly rubbery. No one wants tough, overcooked crab!

So how long should you grill snow crab legs to get them cooked to tender perfection? Read on for everything you need to know about grilling times techniques and tools to help you master cooking snow crab legs on the barbecue.

How Long to Grill Snow Crab Legs

The exact grilling time can vary a bit depending on the size and thickness of the legs, but as a general rule of thumb, plan on grilling snow crab legs for 7-8 minutes per side. For legs that are on the thicker side, extend the time to 9-10 minutes per side. It’s important to grill them slowly over medium-high heat to allow the heat to fully penetrate the shells.

Here are some more snow crab leg grilling times to keep in mind:

• Smaller legs: 6-7 minutes per side
• Medium legs: 7-8 minutes per side
• Larger, thicker legs: 9-10 minutes per side

You’ll know the crab legs are done when the meat along the edges of the shell turns opaque and the meat in the center of the leg is hot. Use a knife to slice into a leg and check that the interior meat has lost its translucent appearance.

Be careful not to overcook the crab. It can quickly go from tender and juicy to rubbery and dry if grilled too long. If in doubt, err on the side of slightly undercooked since the residual heat will continue cooking it a bit more off the grill.

Tips for Grilling Snow Crab Legs Perfectly

Follow these simple tips for grilling snow crab legs flawlessly every time:

1. Thaw Properly

Never throw frozen crab legs directly on the grill! They must be completely thawed before cooking. Thaw legs overnight in the refrigerator or for a quicker method, place them in a colander under cold running water for 30 minutes to 1 hour until thawed through.

2. Preheat and Oil the Grates

Preheating ensures the grill is hot enough to properly sear the exterior while gently cooking the interior. Oil the grates well to prevent the legs from sticking.

3. Grill Slowly Over Medium-High Heat

The key is using a medium-high temperature, around 400°F. Too high and the outsides will burn before the inside cooks. Too low and the crab won’t get hot enough.

4. Grill With the Shell Side Down First

Lay the legs shell-side down on the grill first. The shell protects the delicate meat from direct heat while allowing steam to gently cook the crab.

5. Flip Halfway

After 7-10 minutes (depending on size), flip the legs over using tongs and cook the other side.

6. Check for Doneness

Check for done-ness before removing from the grill. The meat should be opaque along the edges and hot in the center when fully cooked.

7. Watch Carefully to Avoid Overcooking

It’s easy to overdo it, so stay close and watch them carefully. Err on the side of slightly underdone.

How to Prepare Snow Crab Legs for Grilling

Proper preparation is key to delicious grilled snow crab legs. Here are some tips:

• Clean the legs by rinsing under cold water and scrubbing with a stiff brush. Pat dry.

• Season with Old Bay, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning.

• Coat with oil – Brush lightly with olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter before grilling. This helps prevent sticking.

• Slice – Use kitchen shears to cut slits along the bottom side of each shell. This allows heat to penetrate better and makes it easier to access the meat after cooking.

• Soak – Some people like to soak the legs in beer, wine or seafood broth for added flavor.

With just a bit of prep, you’ll be ready to sizzle those legs on the barbecue grill.

Grilling Tools for Perfect Snow Crab Every Time

Having the right grilling tools on hand makes achieving snow crab leg perfection much easier:

• Tongs – Essential for safely flipping the legs halfway through grilling without burning your fingers. Look for ones at least 12 inches long.

• Basting brush – Use to coat legs with oil or melted butter before grilling. Silicone brushes withstand heat well.

• Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of doneness by checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of the leg.

• Kitchen shears – Makes prep easy by allowing you to snip shells before grilling.

• Grill tray – A perforated grill tray or grill basket provides an easy way to maneuver and flip the legs while grilling.

• Insulated mitts – Protect hands from burns when handling hot crab legs.

• Crackers and picks – Must-have tools for getting at the sweet crabmeat inside the shells after cooking.

With the right gear and proper technique, you’ll be rewarded with tender, deliciously grilled snow crab legs every time. Don’t be intimidated to put these long-legged beauties on the barbecue. Just follow the tips above for foolproof, crowd-pleasing results. Enjoy that sweet, smoky crab meat straight off the grill or pair it with melted butter, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce. Grilled snow crab makes for a spectacular meal that feels luxurious but is easy enough for any weeknight. Get ready for your new go-to summer tradition!