Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I can eat a scary amount of crab legs. Fortunately, I don’t have to tell you just how much a ‘scary amount’ is, but when the crab legs are as great as these Old Bay crab legs cooked on my Char-Broil Big Easy, I cannot control myself. From the moment they go into the cooker the aroma hits you and your stomach will start growling. In just minutes you too can be enjoying nice big ole meaty crab legs covered in Old Bay seasoning. For dipping, I made a bit of clarified butter, which is also something I cannot control myself around. This was a bonus meal for sure!

Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Great Snow Crab Legs Too!

You can make Old Bay snow crab legs too, if you wish, but you’ll probably want to cut back on the heating time. It doesn’t take long to re-heat the already-steamed thawed crab legs.

If you prefer to grill your crab legs, try my grilled Old Bay crab legs. Also try my garlic lobster tails and snow crab legs also cooked up perfectly on the Big Easy.

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Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I can eat a scary amount of crab legs. Fortunately, I don’t have to tell you just how much a ‘scary amount’ is, but when the crab legs are as great as these Old Bay crab legs cooked on my Char-Broil Big Easy, I cannot control myself.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, crab legs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1009kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds King crab legs pre-cooked, defrosted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Old Bay seasoning

For the clarified butter

  • ½ pound unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Break the crab legs at the joints if necessary so that they fit into the Big Easy basket.
  • Take a pair of kitchen scissors and make a cut along the full length of the bottoms of the legs.
  • Melt 1/4 cup of the butter in a small saucepan and add Old Bay to taste. Stir.
  • Brush butter mixture over the legs. Don't be afraid to separate the cuts you made a bit to get some of the butter inside.
  • Place legs into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Heat for 6-8 minutes. Heat less if using snow crab or smaller legs, more for bigger legs. Remember the legs are already cooked, you’re just re-heating them.

For the clarified butter

  • Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once the butter has melted reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible and then increase to maintain a very slight boil.
  • Heat for 45 minutes.
  • Scoop out the top clear portion of melted butter and run thru a fine sieve.
  • Discard the solids that remain at the bottom of the pan.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

The clarified butter takes longer to make than do the crab legs, so you’ll want to start that first. You can also make the clarified butter ahead of time and just warm it for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1009kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 104g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 322mg | Sodium: 962mg | Potassium: 262mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3211IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
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Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

I don’t make crab legs often, but when I do, I don’t mess around. These grilled Old Bay crab legs were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was just incredible. A hint of smoke from the grill, that great Old Bay flavoring, a little citrus from the lemon, and of course, butter. The liquid for basting the legs as they cook is also great as a dipping sauce. Packed with flavor, you could just drink it right out of the bowl.

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

Fast. And Delicious.

The grilled Old Bay crab legs are cooked over indirect heat, around 350 F. I used my Weber Performer charcoal grill. You don’t want to overcook them, so keep an eye on them. I rotated the pan after 10 minutes to make sure the legs got cooked evenly. And don’t forget to baste them. Not only will the legs taste better but the butter sauce will absorb more of that great crab flavor too.

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Also try my drunken steamed crab legs and my Old Bay peel’n eat shrimp!

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs
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3 from 2 votes

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

I don’t make crab legs often, but when I do, I don’t mess around. These grilled Old Bay crab legs were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was just incredible. I hint of smoke from the grill, that great Old Bay flavoring, a little citrus from the lemon, and of course, butter. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crab legs, grilled, Old Bay
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 499kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds crab legs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 lemon quartered

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking at 350 F.
  • Place crab legs in a disposable aluminum pan. If the legs are too long you may have to cut them at the joints to make them fit.
  • Melt the butter.
  • Add the garlic.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Pour mixture over the crab legs.
  • Sprinkle with the Old Bay and toss to coat.
  • Transfer to the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes or until the crab is done, basting occasionally.
  • Grill the lemon quarters while you are cooking the crab legs and then transfer to the pan with the crab.
  • Remove crab legs to a platter and transfer any remaining drippings to a bowl for dipping.

Notes

You can crack the legs before cooking. The cracks allow more of the smoke and seasoning to soak in.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1477IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Ragin’ Cajun Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I could not be more delighted with this Ragin’ Cajun Beer can chicken that I made on the Char-Broil Big Easy. I’ve made tons (literally) of chicken on my Big Easy, the best poultry cooker around. But for some reason I’ve neglected to try beer can chicken on it. Well, let me tell you, this is flat-out great. Crazy moist. Even moister than the Big Easy usually does, which is pretty darned moist. And flavor? Incredible. Just incredible. And crunchy skin. A big bonus!

Ragin Cajun Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The holder

I picked up a Char-Broil folding chicken roaster to help make this Ragin’ Cajun beer can chicken and am I ever glad I did. It made making beer can chicken an absolute breeze. You simply insert a standard 12 ounce beer can (along with any flavorings you want) into the center of the holder then fold up the ‘arms’. The can is locked into place, which is a great thing if you’ve ever made beer can chicken before. The cans can be flimsy and crush or spill. This holder solves that problem and then some. The chicken then slides down over the holder and beer can. Easy. Very easy.

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The basket

I used a turkey basket (which has a door for easy access), but the basket that comes with your Big Easy works just fine too. You can see the can sticking out of the bottom of the chicken in the picture above.

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For something different, try my beer can cabbage on the Big Easy. It’s different for sure! And on the off chance that you have leftover chicken, beer can chicken jambalaya is a great way to use it up! If you want to skip the beer can but still have that great beer can chicken flavor, try my beer can seasoned chicken.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray…
  • MATERIAL: Disposable aluminum liners made…
  • SIZE: Measures 6” x 10” across the top and…

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Ragin' Cajun Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Ragin’ Cajun Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I could not be more delighted with this Ragin’ Cajun Beer can chicken that I made on the Char-Broil Big Easy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beer can, Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the chicken in cold water. Transfer to a resealable bag or container.
  • Whisk together 1 can of beer and the liquid smoke. Add to the container of chicken. Seal and refrigerate for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes to marinade the chicken.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry.
  • Rub the chicken down with a bit of oil, getting in every nook and cranny.
  • Combine the Old Bay and Cajun seasonings.
  • Rub half of the seasonings all over the outside and inside of the chicken.
  • Open the remaining beer and take a few good swigs. Then add the remaining rub to the beer can. Put your finger over the opening and shake a bit to combine.
  • Place the beer can in the holder, if using. Latch it in.
  • Carefully slide the chicken over the beer can.
  • Transfer the chicken to a Char-Broil Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook until the chicken is done, reading 175 F in multiple places using an instant-read thermometer.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

You’ll want to use a Char-Broil folding roaster to make this even easier. Place inside a Big Easy basket (NOT directly on the bottom of the cooker!) and get to cooking!

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1637IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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  • Expands the cooking space of The Big Easy
  • Perfect for cooking two chickens at once

Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp

If you are within 500 miles of Augusta, Georgia, do not make these Old Bay peel ‘N eat shrimp. Instead, get in your car and drive to Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar and order a batch of their spicy boiled shrimp. If you’re like me and a drive to Rhinehart’s is a bit out of the question, make these shrimp. They’re mighty close to tasting like the ones at Rhinehart’s, but for the real deal, you need to make the journey.

Old Bay Peel N Eat Shrimp

Perfect For My Shrimp Addiction

I could eat these Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp all day long. Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter to me. With cocktail sauce. With clarified butter. Or by themselves. I don’t care, just get me a basket of shrimp.

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I recommend that you not be shy with the Old Bay when you sprinkle the cooked shrimp just before serving. If you’re a big fan of Old Bay like I am you’ll want as much of that great flavor on your shrimp as you can get. I go nuts with it. There’s no such thing as too much of it for me.

I served these shrimp with my quick and easy cocktail sauce.

Also try my grilled Old Bay crab legs!

Old Bay Peel 'N Eat Shrimp
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4.34 from 3 votes

Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp

I could eat these Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp all day long. Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter to me. With cocktail sauce. With clarified butter. Or by themselves. I don’t care, just get me a basket of shrimp.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Old Bay, shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 134kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the vinegar, water, 1/3 cup of the Old Bay seasoning, garlic and peppercorns in a large pot.
  • Bring to a rapid boil over medium high heat.
  • Add the shrimp. Cover and cook 2-4 minutes or until the shrimp are pink. Do not over cook.
  • Drain shrimp but do not rinse.
  • Transfer shrimp to a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons (or more) of Old Bay and toss gently to coat.
  • Serve with cocktail sauce and clarified butter, if desired, for dipping.

Notes

These shrimp are also great served cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Crab Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a fantastic salad to take to your next pitch-in, this crab pasta salad is it. I never before thought about combining them, but coleslaw and pasta really go together really well. You have the creaminess of the pasta contrasted by the crunch and bite of the slaw. Add in crab, and you have something fantastic. And of course, the Old Bay seasoning really kicks it up with a nice spicy flavor.

Crab Pasta Salad

A Combination That Actually Works

I was very pleasantly surprised with this crab pasta salad. I didn’t really expect the slaw to work so well in this dish. It really got me to thinking about adding slaw in with any cold pasta salad.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

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You’ll also want to try my garlic-stuffed olive pasta salad and my copycat of the crab salad from Golden Corral.

Crab Pasta Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Crab Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a fantastic salad to take to your next pitch-in, this crab pasta salad is it. I never before thought about combining them, but cole slaw and pasta really go together really well.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword crab, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 2276kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 3 cups medium pasta shells uncooked
  • 1 pound coleslaw mix
  • coleslaw dressing to taste. I used Marzetti coleslaw dressing. Or substitute 1 pound prepared coleslaw for the slaw mix and dressing.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sweet onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Old Bay Seasoning to taste
  • 2 cups crab meat chopped (imitation is ok)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook per instructions and rinse and drain well.
  • Meanwhile, mix the coleslaw mix and dressing (to taste). Add just enough dressing to get the cabbage wet.
  • Add in the mayonnaise, onion, dill weed and Old Bay. Stir to combine.
  • Add the pasta to the slaw and stir to coat.
  • Gently stir in the crab.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 2276kcal | Carbohydrates: 252g | Protein: 108g | Fat: 91g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 3623mg | Potassium: 2193mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 191mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Crab Boil Popcorn

I’m a huge fan of crab boil seasoning, and in particular, Old Bay. I use it in a lot 0f things, not just crab boils. As a steak rub. Or on popcorn! Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!

Crab Boil Popcorn

It’s Different. And Good.

If you don’t have oyster crackers, you can substitute goldfish crackers and keep the ‘nautical’ theme still going with this Crab Boil popcorn.

I pop my popcorn in a West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper. It’s the easiest thing in the world for making a big batch of popcorn but it’s a classic and hard to find. There’s a newer model available on Amazon.

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Also try my yummy red velvet popcorn.

Crab Boil Popcorn
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Crab Boil Popcorn

Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword popcorn
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1427kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and stir in the Old Bay seasoning.
  • Combine the popcorn and crackers in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with butter mixture and stir gently to coat.

Notes

If you’re an Old Bay seasoning addict like I am you’ll want to add more of it!

Nutrition

Calories: 1427kcal | Carbohydrates: 266g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 43g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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