Grilled Louisiana Blue Crabs with Spicy Garlic Butter

Introduction

Nothing captures the bold flavors of Louisiana cuisine like fresh blue crabs grilled to perfection on an Arteflame grill. Brushed with a rich, spicy garlic butter, these crabs take on a beautifully smoky, caramelized exterior while staying tender and juicy on the inside. The Arteflame grill’s high heat zones allow for perfect grilling, ensuring the crabs are infused with incredible flavors. This is an easy, mouthwatering seafood dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 6 whole live blue crabs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Blue Crabs

1. Rinse the live blue crabs under cold water.
2. Remove the top shells and clean out the gills if desired.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Garlic Butter

1. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Mix well to create a flavorful basting sauce.

Step 4: Grill the Blue Crabs

1. Brush the crabs generously with the spicy garlic butter mixture.
2. Place them top-side down on the Arteflame griddle cooktop, closer to the center for higher heat.
3. Grill for about 5 minutes, then flip and brush with more butter.
4. Continue grilling for another 5 minutes until the crabs turn bright orange and are fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the crabs from the grill and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the crabs in the butter mixture for 10 minutes before grilling.
• Use a basting brush to reapply the butter mix while grilling to enhance moisture and taste.
• Always grill seafood closer to the center for a perfect sear but move them towards the outer edges for gentle finishing heat.

Variations

1. Cajun-Style Blue Crabs: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a deeper Louisiana kick.
2. Garlic Herb Butter Crabs: Replace cayenne with Italian seasoning and add extra fresh herbs like thyme and oregano.
3. Lemon Pepper Blue Crabs: Increase black pepper and add extra lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
4. Honey Sriracha Glaze: Mix 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce into the butter mix for a sweet and spicy contrast.
5. Spicy Chipotle Butter Crabs: Add 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy profile.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Coleslaw with a tangy dressing
• Crispy French fries or potato wedges
• Iced cold lemonade or a refreshing light beer

Conclusion

Grilling Louisiana blue crabs on the Arteflame grill ensures bold flavors, an incredible smoky aroma, and a mouthwatering texture. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers immense taste, perfect for summer cookouts or any seafood feast. Enjoy the rich, buttery heat of these crabs with your favorite side dishes.