Yabby Boil with Dill and Lemon
A simple and delicious Australian tradition, this Yabby Boil features fresh Australian freshwater crayfish (yabbies) gently boiled with aromatic dill and bright lemon. Perfect as a starter or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Live Yabbies(Ensure yabbies are alive and active. If purchased frozen, thaw completely before cooking.)
- 1 large bunch Fresh Dill(Use the fronds and some of the stems for maximum flavor.)
- 2 Lemons(One cut into quarters for the boil, the other for serving.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Coarse Sea Salt(Adjust to taste, but a generous amount is needed to season the water and yabbies.)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter(For serving, melted.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the yabbies: If your yabbies are alive, rinse them under cold running water. If they are frozen, ensure they are fully thawed. For humane dispatch, you can place live yabbies in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the boiling liquid: Fill a very large pot (at least 8-10 liters capacity) with enough cold water to generously cover the yabbies. Add the coarse sea salt and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be vigorously bubbling.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Infuse the water: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a strong simmer. Add the large bunch of fresh dill (including stems) and the two quartered lemons to the pot. Let them infuse for about 2-3 minutes.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 4
Cook the yabbies: Carefully add the prepared yabbies to the boiling, infused water. Ensure they are fully submerged. Increase the heat back to high to bring the water back to a rapid boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the yabbies turn a vibrant bright red and their shells are firm.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 5
Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully remove the cooked yabbies from the pot. Discard the dill and lemon from the pot. Arrange the yabbies on a large platter. Serve immediately with the remaining lemon cut into wedges and melted butter for dipping.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Yabbies are a type of freshwater crayfish native to Australia, often considered part of 'bush tucker'.
- ✓For best results, use fresh, live yabbies.
- ✓The dill and lemon add a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet taste of the yabbies.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve chilled with a dollop of mayonnaise or aioli.
- Add cooked yabby meat to salads for a gourmet touch.
- Include other aromatics in the boil such as peppercorns, bay leaves, or a splash of white wine.