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READY IN 16 mins

The World's Greatest Crab Recipe

Read Reviews (36)

"When it comes to crab you have 3 options: you can go to the expensive seafood place for overpriced, soggy, and bland crab; you can ruin it yourself at home; or you can follow this recipe and have crab so good you will never eat it any other way." — Dreamthief

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Types of Cooking Oil

Battle of the Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted

Garlic: Fresh Vs. Powdered

Original recipe makes 4 pounds Change Servings

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup minced garlic
4 pounds Snow Crab clusters, thawed if necessary

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Directions

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. When hot, lightly oil grate.
Whisk together the olive oil, butter, and garlic; generously brush onto crab.
Cook crab on preheated grill, turning once, until the shell begins to brown, about 6 minutes.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 10 mins
COOK 6 mins
READY IN 16 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Aug 10, 2009

I did these in the oven instead of on the grill and the flavor was fantastic! I cannot wait to fire up the grill to try them that way, too. I put them on a sheet pan in the oven at 350 for 4 minutes on each side, then under the broiler on high for 5 minutes. We ate them as soon as they came out--they didn't even make it to a plate! :)

—KitKat

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Oct 02, 2008

The heat was way too high - I'm sure it varies grill to grill. Because of the high heat, the meat dried out and was difficult to remove in chunks. Too much grill flavor for my crab purist husband. I liked them, but not more than boiled and dragged in butter.

—Lenenski Family

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45 Ratings

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Jul 19, 2011

Wow! This definitely is one of the "World's Greatest Crab Recipes"! If you love crab then you really have to give this recipe a try. I added some beer for good measure - there's no shortage of it in this house and when it comes to grilling just about everything tastes better with beer! I pre-cracked the crab legs and let the thawed legs marinate in this for about an hour before grilling. These don't take long so do watch carefully. Just baste away on the grill and before you know it your taste buds will be in heaven! All this needed was some drawn butter and of course a cold beer for my husband and a nice glass of wine for me - YUM! Thanks Dreamthief for an awesome recipe!

—Jillian

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Jan 19, 2011

I would give this recipe 10 stars if I could. The Hubster went nuts over this recipe. He thinks everything should be grilled or smoked and this recipe proved that crablegs on the grill ROCK! I will never steam them again. When I read a 1/2 cup of minced garlic, I jumped up and down with glee...any recipe calling for a 1/2 cup of garlic, we are gonna make it for sure! The only thing I would add to this recipe is two ingredients and 1 step. PRECRACK the crablegs so the marinade can get in easier. (I actually broke the big joints and slid a scissors down the back without tearing the meat). Then I added LEMON JUICE and OLD BAY to the marinade...I can't help it, it's the way I'm made. This recipe would have been a 5 anyway, but my additions created mouth-magic! Thanks a ton, Dreamthief! PS...THE GRILL IS GONNA FLAME UP BIGTIME! Be careful, have a lid ready, and enough water to knock the flame back, you dont want to burn them! If you use King Crablegs, remember they are larger and will take longer on the grill. I cooked my snowcrab legs for 4 minutes on each side after knocking the flame back; they were heated thru. MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMPLETELY DEFROSTED!

—ellie may

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Sep 15, 2008

Somebody better warn the crabs!! Bar none this is absolutely THE BEST crab recipe I've ever had. I grew up on the Cheasapeake Bay, so that's saying something. So easy you have time to bow to the applause. Thanks for a great recipe.

—Missus T

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Aug 05, 2008

This recipe deserves much more than 5 stars! It is out of this world delicious and so easy. It was nice to make crab without steaming up the kitchen. The easy cleanup is a major bonus, as well. If you like crab legs you must try this!

—SEY1

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Jul 06, 2008

This recipe was better than any buffet or fine service I've ever had. Not only was there almost zero prep time, using the grill meant clean up was a breeze. The taste was outstanding and I didn't even really need butter on the side. A bit messy on the hands but in a wonderful finger licking way. The crab snapped with perfection.

—STJOHNK

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Jul 21, 2010

My husband could eat all 4 lbs by himself and still want more! I only made one change and added some Old Bay Seasoning. Due to storms I ended up doing these in the oven and they were excellent! 350 4 minutes on each side, brushing with the mixture each time. Then 5 minutes on HIGH broil and added the Old Bay. YUMMY!!!! They were so good!

—MNM

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Nutrition

Calories
957 kcal
48%

Carbohydrates
5.8 g
2%

Cholesterol
395 mg
132%

Fat
72.7 g
112%

Fiber
0.4 g
1%

Protein
68.9 g
138%

Sodium
1293 mg
52%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

The World's Greatest Crab Recipe

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 957
Calories from Fat: 654

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 72.7g 112 %
Saturated Fat 22.3g 111 %
Cholesterol 395mg 132 %
Sodium 1293mg 52 %
Potassium 1165mg 33 %
Total Carbohydrates 5.8g 2 %
Dietary Fiber 0.4g 1 %
Protein 68.9g 138 %
** Sugars 0.2g
Vitamin A 29 %
Vitamin C 27 %
Calcium 49 %
Iron 35 %
** Thiamin 4 %
Niacin 207 %
Vitamin B6 51 %
Magnesium 41 %
Folate 95 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.