Shopping for BBQ Gear? Start Here!

2,000+ Free Pages

2,000+ Free Pages

How to Smoke King Crab Legs without Drying Them Out

Delicate and sweet. Whether King or Snow, we help you treat them right.

Filters

Dish Type:
Cooking Method:
Flavoring:
Difficulty:

All Recipes

Griddle grilled crab cake topped with aioli
Moderate
10 minutes
3.67 from 56 votes

Ready to step up your outdoor cooking game?

Join the largest membership-based BBQ and grilling community in the world with a 30-day free trial. No credit card required!

Featured Guides & Articles

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Are frozen legs pre-cooked?
Yes, most frozen crab is pre-steamed; you are essentially reheating.
Only 20-30 minutes; they are delicate and dry out quickly.
Clarified butter (ghee) is best because it has a higher smoke point.
Season the shell?

Quick Facts

Type:

Fatty Poultry

Best For:

Steaming or Light Smoking

Temperature:

145°F (63°C) Internal

Texture:

Flaky, sweet, and tender

Flavor Pairings:

Old Bay, Drawn Butter, Lemon

Common Mistakes:

Boiling crab, which washes away the natural sweet flavors.

Best Equipment:

Pellet Grill or Indoor Steamer

New Recipes, Reviews, and Science Sent To Your Inbox!

Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, Smoke Signals, and never miss a new recipe!