Yabbies with Garlic Butter
A quintessential Australian summer tradition, these freshwater crayfish are a delicious treat, often caught from local dams and creeks. This recipe focuses on preparing them simply with a rich garlic butter sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2kg Live yabbies(Ensure they are lively and healthy. If caught yourself, purging is essential.)
- 150g Unsalted butter(Good quality butter will enhance the flavor.)
- 4-6 cloves Garlic(Adjust to your preference. Finely minced or crushed.)
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley(Finely chopped, for freshness and color.)
- 1 Lemon(Juice of half a lemon, with remaining half cut into wedges for serving.)
- Generous amount Salt(For the boiling water. Should taste like the sea.)
- Sufficient to cover yabbies Water(For boiling.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Purge the yabbies: Place the live yabbies in a large container or clean tub. Cover them with fresh, cool water. Allow them to purge for at least 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Change the water at least twice during this period (e.g., every 8-12 hours) to remove any impurities and mud. This step is crucial for removing any muddy or off-flavors.
⏱️ 24 hours - 2
Prepare the boiling water: Fill a very large pot with plenty of water (enough to fully submerge the yabbies). Add a generous amount of salt, so the water tastes noticeably salty, similar to seawater. Bring the water to a vigorous, rolling boil over high heat.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Cook the yabbies: Carefully add the purged yabbies to the boiling water. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the water temperature and result in uneven cooking. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the yabbies turn a vibrant, bright red color and their shells are firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them tough.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes per batch - 4
Prepare the garlic butter: While the yabbies are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the crushed or minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the finely chopped parsley and the juice from half a lemon. Season with a pinch of salt if desired, though the butter and yabbies may already be salty enough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Serve: Remove the cooked yabbies from the boiling water using a slotted spoon, draining them well. Arrange them on a platter. Serve immediately while hot, with the warm garlic butter in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the yabbies. This dish is best enjoyed outdoors on a warm summer day.
⏱️ Immediate
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Purging is essential to remove any muddy or earthy taste from the yabbies.
- ✓For the freshest flavor, consider catching your own yabbies from local dams or creeks (ensure you have the necessary permits and follow local regulations).
- ✓This dish is a fantastic and fun activity for a summer gathering with family and friends.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Grill the yabbies after par-boiling and toss with a grilled herb butter.
- Serve chilled with a dollop of mayonnaise or aioli.
- Add cooked yabby meat to pasta dishes or risottos.