When it comes to grilling, quail is often overlooked in favor of more traditional options like chicken or steak. But these small, delicate birds are a culinary delight when cooked over high heat. Not only do they pack a punch of flavor, but they’re also surprisingly easy to cook and can be paired with a wide range of seasonings and marinades.
In this article, we’ll explore 19 different grilled quail recipes that showcase the versatility of these little birds. From classic combinations like rosemary and garlic to bold flavors like chipotle lime, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, these recipes are sure to inspire your next outdoor cooking adventure.
Grilled Quail with Rosemary and Garlic
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with this flavorful recipe that combines the tender quail with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and garlic. Perfect for a dinner party or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quails
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped rosemary and minced garlic.
3. Brush both sides of quails with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the quail on the grill, skin side down (if they have skin). Close the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes or until seared.
5. Turn quails over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Brush quails with the rosemary-garlic mixture during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh rosemary leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Quail
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this sweet and spicy quail dish, perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Gochujang, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Brush both sides of the quails with the glaze.
4. Grill quails for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Lemon Herb Marinade
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the flavors of lemon, herbs, and succulent quail. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
2. Place quail in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over quail; seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove quail from marinade; pat dry with paper towels.
4. Grill quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Quail Stuffed with Wild Rice
This recipe combines the flavors of earthy wild rice with the delicate taste of grilled quail, creating a unique and impressive dish perfect for special occasions. With its simple preparation and short cooking time, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
3. Stuff each quail with the wild rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the birds.
4. Brush quails with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this succulent grilled quail recipe, paired with a rich and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quail with the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Grill the quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
6. Brush the grilled quail with the warm balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Chimichurri Sauce
Savor the flavors of Argentina with this classic combination of grilled quail and tangy chimichurri sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
3. Brush the quail with the herb mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix together chimichurri sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Serve grilled quail with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Orange and Thyme
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the sweetness of oranges with the earthiness of thyme. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails
– 2 navel oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush quails with the mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, place orange segments on top of the quails.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Smoked Paprika Rub
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet impressive grilled quail recipe, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion. The smoked paprika rub adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender quail.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the quail, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Brush the quail with olive oil on both sides.
5. Place the quail on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Quail with Maple Mustard Glaze
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this elegant dish, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme.
3. Brush both sides of the quails with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill quails for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush quails with maple mustard glaze.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
Grilled Quail with Herb Butter
Elevate your next dinner party or special occasion with this succulent and flavorful grilled quail recipe, served with a rich herb butter that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together herb butter ingredients until well combined.
3. Season quails with salt and pepper.
4. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve grilled quails with herb butter spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Asian Five-Spice
This recipe brings together the simplicity of grilling quail with the bold flavors of Asian five-spice, resulting in a dish that’s both savory and aromatic. Perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail
– 2 tbsp Asian five-spice powder
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Asian five-spice powder, olive oil, and honey.
3. Brush the quail with the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Pomegranate Molasses
A flavorful and exotic twist on traditional quail, this recipe combines the tender game bird with a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses glaze.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 quail, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quail.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or pomegranate seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Garlic and Herb Marinade
This recipe showcases the flavors of grilled quail perfectly infused with a garlic and herb marinade, resulting in tender and juicy quails with a savory aroma.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quails
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Place quails in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove quails from marinade and brush off any excess.
6. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Cajun Seasoning
Elevate your outdoor cooking with this bold and flavorful recipe for grilled quail smothered in Cajun seasoning. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these succulent birds will have you hooked.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and olive oil to create a paste.
3. Brush the quail with the paste, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place quail on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges (if desired) to add a squeeze of brightness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Red Wine Reduction
This recipe brings together the rich flavors of grilled quail and a reduction made from red wine, perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. The combination of smoky quail and sweet-wine sauce is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse quails under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quails.
4. Grill quails for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While quails are grilling, reduce red wine in a saucepan over medium heat to about 1/2 cup.
6. Stir in butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve grilled quails with red wine reduction spooned over the top, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Mediterranean Spices
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this flavorful recipe that combines the tender quail with a blend of aromatic Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin.
3. Season the quails with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the quails with the spice mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Place the quails on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Mango Salsa
Experience the sweet and savory fusion of flavors with this recipe that combines succulent grilled quail with a tangy and tropical mango salsa. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, cleaned and patted dry
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for grilling
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Brush quails with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill quails for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve grilled quail with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Chipotle Lime Marinade
Grilled Quail with Chipotle Lime Marinade: A bold and zesty twist on traditional quail dishes, this recipe combines the rich flavors of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime juice for a truly unforgettable experience.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and honey.
3. Place quail in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Toss to coat.
4. Let quail marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove quail from marinade and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill quail for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes total
Grilled Quail with Sage and Brown Butter
Elevate your game day or dinner party with this elegant yet simple dish that combines the rich flavors of brown butter, sage, and grilled quail.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, patted dry
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Season quail with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush grilled quail with brown butter and sprinkle with chopped sage.
5. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 19 flavorful quail recipes! From classic combinations like Grilled Quail with Rosemary and Garlic, to sweet and spicy options like Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Quail, there’s something for every taste. Try stuffing your quail with Wild Rice or Orange and Thyme for added texture and flavor. Or, go bold with a Balsamic Glaze or Smoked Paprika Rub. Whether you’re in the mood for savory, sweet, or tangy, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
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