Grilled Whole Maryland Blue Crab

Introduction

Experience the incredible flavor of Maryland blue crab grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill. Instead of steaming, we are locking in all the amazing juices and enhancing the natural sweetness with butter and seasoning. The result is a rich, smoky, and perfectly grilled whole crab that's juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. By utilizing the Arteflame grill's unique heat zones, we ensure a perfectly cooked crab without burning, giving your seafood feast a professional touch.

Ingredients

• 6 whole live Maryland blue crabs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Arteflame grill

• Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
• Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
• Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
• Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the crabs

• Rinse the blue crabs thoroughly under cold water.
• Pat them dry with a paper towel.
• In a bowl, mix melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Brush the crabs generously with the butter mixture.

Step 3: Grill the crabs

• Place the crabs top shell down on the Arteflame's flat top griddle near the center to get a high heat sear.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes until the shells turn bright red.
• Flip the crabs and move them slightly outward to a medium heat zone.
• Brush with more butter mixture and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve

• Remove the crabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a light sprinkle of additional Old Bay seasoning while grilling.
• Grill some corn and potatoes on the Arteflame flat top alongside the crabs for a complete seafood feast.
• Use long-handled tongs to handle the crabs safely.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Blue Crab: Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a bold, spicy twist.
2. Garlic Butter Blue Crab: Mix 2 tbsp minced garlic with the melted butter and grill with fresh parsley for a rich, garlicky flavor.
3. Sweet & Smoky Blue Crab: Use smoked paprika and a bit of honey for a sweet and smoky taste.
4. Asian-Inspired Blue Crab: Add a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the butter for an umami-packed experience.
5. Lemon Herb Blue Crab: Use fresh lemon zest and thyme in the butter mixture for bright, citrusy flavors.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and herbs
• Garlic butter roasted potatoes
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• A refreshing side salad with citrus dressing
• Homemade coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette

Conclusion

Grilling Maryland blue crabs on the Arteflame grill is a game-changer. The smoky, buttery flavors combined with the natural sweetness of the crab result in an outstanding dish. Try different variations and enjoy the perfect grilled seafood feast!