Forktionary

Quail

Coturnix coturnix Meat, Poultry, Game

Quail Meat, Poultry, Game

At a Glance

  • Category Meat, Poultry, Game

The Forktionary Angle

"The diminutive bird that delivers a surprisingly rich and sophisticated dining experience."

Definition

A small game bird prized for its lean, tender, dark meat with a delicate, slightly gamy flavor, often roasted, grilled, or pan-seared.

Cooking Time Very quick, typically 15-20 min total.
Global Consumption Popular in European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Protein Content High, approx. 20g per 100g.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Quail are:

Mildly gamey lean delicate savory

Chef’s Secret

Brine quail for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to ensure tenderness and add an extra layer of flavor, compensating for its leanness.

Best Substitutes

Cornish Hen

larger, milder flavor
Ratio 1:1

Squab

richer, more gamey
Ratio 1:1

Chicken Thigh

if deboned, less gamey
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for plump, well-dressed birds, often found frozen or in specialty markets.

Culinary Pairings

Fruit sauces (cherry fig) wild rice mushrooms bacon herbs (rosemary thyme)

Recipes Using Quail

Baked Garlic Quail image 124
Meat Cuisine 1 Day Or More Spicy

Baked Garlic Quail

These succulent baked garlic quail are a flavor explosion! Perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make them an unforgettable meal. Easy to prepare (including overnight marinating), they're ideal for a special dinner or a satisfying weeknight treat. Get ready to lick your fingers!

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Ben's Texas Quail image 112
Quail Preparation Easy High Protein

Ben's Texas Quail

Crispy pecan-crusted Texas quail, bursting with sweet and savory flavor! This recipe delivers tender, juicy quail with a delightful crunch in just an hour. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner party or a special weeknight treat.

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Bbq Quail With Honey Mustard Dressing image
Barbecue Broil Preparation Wild Game

Bbq Quail With Honey Mustard Dressing

Impress your guests with this succulent BBQ Quail recipe! Found in a Melbourne newspaper and perfected for your kitchen, this dish features tender quail marinated in a zesty honey mustard glaze, grilled to perfection. Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as an appetizer. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Baked Quail image 134
Taste Mood Main Dish Quail Course

Baked Quail

Elevate your game with this exquisite Baked Quail recipe! Perfect for both seasoned hunters and adventurous home cooks, this recipe transforms tender quail into a culinary masterpiece. Featuring a rich, savory sauce and simple yet elegant preparation, this dish is sure to impress. Easily adaptable for Cornish hens, this recipe is your go-to for a sophisticated yet approachable meal. Discover the deliciousness of wild-game or enjoy farm-fresh poultry prepared to perfection.

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