Grilled California Dungeness Crab with Butter

Introduction

Enjoy the smoky, buttery flavors of fresh California Dungeness crab cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. This grilling method brings out the crab’s natural sweetness and infuses it with aromatic buttery goodness. It's a simple, delicious, and impressive seafood dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 whole Dungeness crabs, cleaned and split
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the butter mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Grill the Dungeness crab

1. Place the crab halves shell-side down onto the flat griddle cooktop near the center for higher heat.
2. Baste the crab generously with the butter mixture.
3. Allow the crab to grill for about 5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes.
4. Continue basting with the butter mixture as needed.

Step 4: Finish grilling

1. Move the crab near the outer edge of the cooktop to allow it to finish cooking at a lower temperature.
2. Grill for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meat is opaque and tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the crab from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Use high-quality firewood for clean-burning heat and a rich, smoky flavor.
• Baste frequently with butter to enhance flavor and keep the crab moist.
• Avoid overcooking the crab—it should be just heated through to retain tenderness.
• Move the crab to cooler sections of the cooktop if it’s cooking too quickly.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Crab: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
• Garlic Herb Butter Crab: Add 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the butter mixture.
• Asian-Style Crab: Replace lemon juice with soy sauce and add 1 tsp grated ginger.
• Honey Lime Crab: Add 1 tbsp honey and replace lemon juice with lime juice for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Smoked Paprika & Lemon Crab: Use 1 tsp smoked paprika and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra smoky-citrusy flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling California Dungeness crab on the Arteflame grill elevates its natural sweetness and succulence. The smoky aroma, buttery richness, and perfectly grilled texture make this dish an unforgettable delicacy that is sure to impress.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus or corn on the cob
• Fresh sourdough bread for soaking up the butter sauce
• Chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
• Light, citrusy salad to balance the richness
• Grilled potatoes with garlic butter