15+ Quail Recipes for Delicious Meals You’ll Love

Quail is a flavorful and versatile bird that can elevate any meal. It’s a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. This article will explore several quail recipes that highlight its unique taste and tender texture.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, quail recipes can bring excitement to your kitchen. From roasting to grilling, there are many ways to enjoy this delightful poultry. You’ll discover easy-to-follow recipes that will impress your family and friends.

1) Spicy Lemon-Paprika Grilled Quail

Grilling quail can be a delightful experience. For this spicy lemon-paprika recipe, you’ll create a flavorful marinade that enhances the bird’s natural taste.

Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. You’ll need paprika, oregano, and a bit of cayenne for some heat. Coat the quail in this mixture and let it marinate for a few hours.

Prepare your grill for medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Place the quail on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.

Enjoy your grilled quail with fresh sides or on its own!

Ingredients

• 4 whole quail
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, and cayenne in a bowl.
2. Coat the quail in the marinade and let sit for 1-4 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to 350°F (175°C).
4. Grill the quail for about 15 minutes on each side.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

2) Honey-Glazed Oven Roasted Quail

Honey-glazed oven roasted quail is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory quail.

To start, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high temperature helps to create a crispy skin.

Rub the quail with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This ensures the meat stays juicy and well-seasoned. Place the quail in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Drizzle honey over the quail for that delicious glaze. Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the skin is golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 quail
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Rub the quail with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the quail breast side up in a roasting pan.
5. Drizzle honey over the quail.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

3) Ginger-Garlic Pan-Seared Quail

This recipe brings out the rich flavor of quail with a tasty ginger-garlic mix. You start by marinating the quail, giving every bite a wonderful taste.

To prepare, mix ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a little honey. Let the quail sit in this marinade for at least 30 minutes.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated quail in the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.

Ingredients

• 4 quail, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
2. Marinate the quail for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add quail and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side.
5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4) Italian Bacon-Wrapped Quail

Italian bacon-wrapped quail is a delicious dish that brings together rich flavors. The tender quail pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory bacon. It makes for a great appetizer or a main dish.

To make this dish, start with whole quail. You can marinate them for extra flavor. Wrapping quail in bacon keeps them moist while they cook. You can grill or roast them for a tasty finish.

For a hint of herby flavor, add garlic and rosemary to your recipe. The cooking time will vary, but aim for about 10 to 15 minutes until the bacon is nicely browned.

Ingredients:

• 8 quails
• 8 bacon strips
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Clean the quails and season them with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap each quail with a strip of bacon.
4. Place quails on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning frequently.
5. Add minced garlic and herbs in the last few minutes of cooking.

5) Thyme and Lemon Zest Marinated Quail

Marinating quail with thyme and lemon zest adds a fresh and zesty flavor. Start by combining olive oil, fresh thyme, and lemon zest in a bowl. You can also add some garlic for extra taste.

Next, coat the quail in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. This will make your quail tender and tasty.

You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated quail. Cook until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. A temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures it’s safe to eat.

Ingredients

• 4 quail, cleaned
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the quail in the marinade.
3. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Cook the quail until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6) Butterflied Quail with Orange Glaze

Butterflied quail with orange glaze is a delicious and unique dish. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a perfect choice for dinner. You can prepare this meal quickly, making it great for busy nights.

You will need about eight butterflied quail, which are easy to cook. The orange, cumin, and brown sugar glaze adds a tasty twist. It pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 8 quail, butterflied
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, orange juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
3. Brush the glaze on the butterflied quail.
4. Place the quail on a baking tray.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve and enjoy!

7) Peach and Jalapeño Smoked Quail

Peach and jalapeño smoked quail is a delightful dish that blends sweet and spicy flavors. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional quail cooking, perfect for your next barbecue.

Start by prepping your quail. You will need to season it well to enhance the taste. The combination of fresh peaches and jalapeños brings a refreshing kick to the meal.

For cooking, maintain a grill temperature of 275°F (135°C) for indirect heat. This ensures that the quail gets cooked evenly without burning.

The sweet peach sauce pairs wonderfully with the jalapeño spice, creating a delicious savory experience. Serve the quail with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Quail (whole)
• Fresh peaches (chopped)
• Jalapeños (diced)
• Butter
• Vinegar
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 275°F (135°C) for indirect cooking.
2. Prepare the quail by seasoning it.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and add chopped peaches and jalapeños.
4. Stir in vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar.
5. Brush the mixture over the quail and smoke until cooked through.

8) Prosciutto-Wrapped Sage Quail

Prosciutto-wrapped sage quail is a delicious dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender quail, savory prosciutto, and aromatic sage creates a delightful flavor.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each deboned quail with two slices of prosciutto and add a few fresh sage leaves on top. Secure the wrap with toothpicks.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Sear the quails on both sides until golden brown. Transfer the quails to the oven to finish cooking, around 15-20 minutes.

This dish pairs well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 deboned quails
• 8 slices of prosciutto
• Fresh sage leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each quail with prosciutto and sage.
3. Secure with toothpicks.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. Sear quails until golden brown.
6. Transfer to oven and cook for 15-20 minutes.

9) Vietnamese-Style Quail with Black Pepper

For a tasty twist on quail, try making it Vietnamese-style with black pepper. This dish is flavorful and relatively easy to prepare. You will enjoy how the spices create a wonderful aroma.

Start by marinating the quail in a mix of black pepper, garlic, and soy sauce. This gives the meat a rich taste. Let the quail soak up the flavors for at least an hour.

Cook the marinated quail in a skillet over medium heat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the quail is cooked through and juicy.

Serve it with rice or noodles. You can also add a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 quails
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine black pepper, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
2. Add the quails and coat them evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the quails for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

10) Quick Roasted Quail with Cumin

Roasting quail is simple and quick. This recipe uses cumin to add a warm, earthy flavor that complements the meat well. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C).

Rub the quail with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and cumin. The seasoning enhances the natural taste of the quail.

Arrange the quail breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast them for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Don’t forget to check their internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 2 whole quail
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Rub quail with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Place quail breast-side up in a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

11) Red Wine Braised Quail with Vegetables

This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. Braising quail in red wine makes the meat tender and full of taste.

Start by marinating your quail in red wine with garlic, thyme, and some lemon zest. This helps enhance the flavors.

Next, brown the quail in a pan, then add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft.

Pour in the marinated wine and let everything simmer until the quail is tender.

Serve the quail with the cooked vegetables and a bit of the sauce for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 quail, cleaned
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate quail in red wine, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest for 1 hour.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
3. Brown quail on all sides.
4. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
5. Pour in the marinated wine and simmer for 30 minutes.

12) Crispy Grilled Quail with Butter

Grilling quail can be a delicious way to enjoy this bird. The crispy skin combined with butter creates a mouth-watering flavor.

To start, prepare your quail and marinate it for extra taste. Brush melted butter on the quail for a rich, savory finish.

You can season with salt and pepper, or add your favorite herbs.

Place the quail on a hot grill, cooking until the outside is crispy and golden brown.

Don’t forget to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked quail.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 whole quail
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like rosemary or thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
2. Marinate quail with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Place quail on the grill.
4. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

13) Garlic Herb Oven Baked Quail

Baking quail with garlic and herbs creates a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare. The marinade adds flavor and keeps the quail juicy.

Start by mixing minced garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the quail to coat them well.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

Place the prepared quail on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Serve the quail hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the tender meat and the aromatic herbs!

Ingredients

• 6 quail, cleaned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture over the quail.
4. Place the quail on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness.

14) Quail Stuffed with Mushrooms and Spinach

Stuffed quail makes for a unique and delicious dish. By combining mushrooms and spinach, you create a flavorful filling that enhances the natural taste of the quail.

You will start by cooking the mushrooms and spinach in a pan.

Warm the pan and add some oil, then sauté the mushrooms until they soften. Next, add the spinach and cook until wilted. Mix them together.

Once the filling is ready, stuff the quail with this mixture. Season the outside with your favorite herbs and spices.

Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the quail is cooked through and golden brown.

Ingredients

• 4 quail, cleaned
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
3. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the quail with the mushroom and spinach mix.
6. Season the outside of the quail.
7. Place stuffed quail in the oven and bake until cooked through.

15) Smoked Quail with Maple Glaze

Smoked quail with maple glaze is a delightful dish that combines sweet and smoky flavors. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a flavorful dinner at home.

For this dish, you will start by marinating your quail in a mixture of maple syrup and spices. This will enhance the natural flavor of the quail and add a delicious glaze.

Once marinated, you will smoke the quail at 160°F (71°C) for about an hour. This low and slow cooking method keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Serve these quails with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 8 quail
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Chinese chili paste with garlic
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and chili paste in a bowl.
2. Marinate quail in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat your smoker to 160°F (71°C).
4. Place quail on the smoker and cook for 1 hour.
5. Remove and let rest before serving.