Grilled Soft Shell Crabs with Lemon Butter (Maryland Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

As soon as the days lengthen and the air turns humid, I find myself eagerly waiting for soft shell crab season. There is something truly magical about the aroma of sweet crab meat hitting a sizzling hot grill, mingling with smoky char and bright lemon zest. This recipe captures the essence of authentic coastal dining, delivering a texture that is impossibly crispy on the outside yet succulent and tender within—a true celebration of summer's arrival.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

While deep-frying is traditional, grilling soft shells on the Arteflame changes the game completely. It is lighter, cleaner, and adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the crab. Plus, it is a one-cooktop meal that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for impressing guests without being stuck in the kitchen scrubbing pots and pans.

Tips for the Perfect Sear

• Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to pat the crabs bone-dry before seasoning; surface moisture creates steam and prevents that signature golden crust.
• Manage the Heat: Ensure your cooktop is sizzling hot before the crabs land to ensure they crisp up immediately rather than sticking or steaming.

Simple Swaps

If you are dairy-free, swap the butter for ghee or a high-quality olive oil in the sauce. For a different flavor profile, try lime juice and cilantro instead of lemon and parsley.

Ingredients

For the Crabs and Marinade

• 4 to 6 fresh soft shell crabs, cleaned and dressed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Garlic Lemon Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra Maryland flair)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop reaches a high, even heat.
2. Ensure the cooktop surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking, which is crucial for the delicate texture of soft shell crabs.

Step 2: Prep the Crabs

1. Rinse the soft shell crabs gently under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush the crabs generously on both sides with this mixture.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Place a heat-safe sauce pot directly on the flat cooktop surface of the Arteflame.
2. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Old Bay seasoning. Let it simmer gently for another minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Keep warm on the outer edge of the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Crabs

1. Place the crabs directly onto the hot flat cooktop surface. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Grill for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. The shells should turn a vibrant red and the meat should become firm and opaque.
3. Watch for a nice golden-brown crust to form on the belly side.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the crabs from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. Pour the warm garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the crabs. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

Cleaning soft shell crabs can seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. If your fishmonger hasn't done it for you, simply snip off the face behind the eyes, lift the corners of the shell to remove the gills, and pull off the apron underneath. Crucially, dry the crabs thoroughly before they hit the grill to ensure a good sear rather than a steam. When using your Arteflame, utilize the flat cooktop’s heat zones intelligently. Start the crabs closer to the center to get a nice crust, then move them to the outer ring if they need to finish cooking gently without burning. This prevents the delicate meat from becoming rubbery. Always use fresh lemon juice; bottled versions lack the bright acidity needed to cut through the richness of the butter effectively.

Variations

While the classic lemon butter is timeless, soft shell crabs are a versatile canvas for flavor. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can lightly dust the crabs in seasoned flour or cornmeal before placing them on the oiled cooktop. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. You can also take a Cajun route by coating the crabs in blackened seasoning before grilling. For an Asian-inspired twist, swap the butter for a glaze made of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Here are a few specific ideas to try:

• Cajun Blackened: Coat heavily in Cajun spice and sear with clarified butter.
• Cornmeal Dusted: Lightly dredge in cornmeal for an extra crunchy texture.
• Asian Fusion: Baste with a Soy-Ginger-Scallion glaze during the last minute of cooking.
• Caper & Dill: Add capers and fresh dill to the lemon butter for a briney pop.

Best pairings

To complete this Maryland-inspired feast, you need sides that balance the richness of the crab and butter. Grilled corn on the cob is a natural companion, especially when cooked right alongside the crabs on the Arteflame, picking up that same smoky flavor. Fresh grilled asparagus with a touch of parmesan or a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw adds a necessary crunch and acidity to cleanse the palate. For carbohydrates, crusty French bread is essential for mopping up that extra garlic lemon butter sauce on the plate. Beverage-wise, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé pairs beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the crab, while a light pilsner beer cuts through the butter perfectly for a more casual vibe.

Conclusion

Grilling soft shell crabs is one of the true joys of early summer dining. This recipe allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine, elevated by the unique smokiness of the Arteflame grill and the brightness of the lemon butter. It is a dish that looks sophisticated but comes together in minutes, making it perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and special weekend gatherings. Fire up your grill, gather your friends, and enjoy a true taste of the coast. Once you try them grilled this way, with the perfect balance of char and tenderness, you may never go back to deep-frying them again. Enjoy the season while it lasts!