Are you ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game? Look no further than these 18 mouth-watering grilled quail recipes that are sure to impress! Quail may be small, but their rich flavor and tender texture make them the perfect canvas for a wide range of bold and exciting flavor combinations. From classic herb-marinated quail with lemon zest to spicy honey glazed quail, smoky chipotle quail with lime, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take a culinary journey around the world, exploring flavors from Asia to the Mediterranean, from the Cajun Bayou to the heart of Tuscany. With recipes like Herb-Marinated Grilled Quail with Lemon Zest, Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Quail, and Tandoori-Style Grilled Quail with Yogurt Sauce, you’ll discover that quail is more than just a small bird – it’s a flavor powerhouse waiting to be unleashed.
So grab your grill, sharpen your knives, and get ready to cook up some serious culinary magic!
Herb-Marinated Grilled Quail with Lemon Zest
This recipe elevates the humble quail to new heights by infusing it with a fragrant herb marinade and finishing it off with a bright, citrusy zest. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add quail to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove quail from marinade and place on grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While quail is grilling, mix lemon zest with a pinch of salt.
6. Once quail is done, brush with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Quail
Elevate your backyard gatherings with this sweet and spicy twist on traditional quail. The combination of honey, chili flakes, and citrus creates a glaze that’s both sticky and aromatic.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and 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, brown sugar, ginger, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quail with the glaze, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro leaves.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Quail Skewers
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with these flavorful and impressive quail skewers, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion. With the bold flavors of garlic and rosemary, you’ll be sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread each quail onto a skewer, leaving a small space between each bird.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and rosemary.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over the quails, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place quail skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilling game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of soy sauce, the spiciness of ginger, and the tenderness of quail. Perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Brush the quail with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the quail with the soy-ginger glaze (step 2).
6. Let quail rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Grilled Quail with Lime
Smoky Chipotle Grilled Quail with Lime: Add a touch of Mexican flair to your outdoor cooking with this flavorful and aromatic recipe.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail, patted dry
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Brush the quail with the chipotle mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Squeeze lime juice over the quail during the last minute of grilling.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Quail with Thyme
Elevate your quail game with this sweet and savory dish, perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil.
3. Season quails with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly onto both sides of the quails.
5. Place quails on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes total
Mediterranean Grilled Quail with Olives and Feta
Mediterranean Grilled Quail with Olives and Feta: Savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet impressive dish, featuring tender quail grilled to perfection and paired with briny olives and crumbly feta.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quail with the oil mixture on both sides.
4. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, place olives and feta on top of the quail.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped oregano leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cajun-Spiced Grilled Quail with Remoulade
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and aromatic Cajun-inspired quail recipe, perfectly paired with a creamy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quail with the spice mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Grill the quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the quail rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve with remoulade sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Grilled Quail Stuffed with Wild Rice and Mushrooms
Elevate your game with this savory and aromatic dish, featuring succulent quail stuffed with a flavorful mix of wild rice and earthy mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 4 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine cooked wild rice, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each quail with the rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four birds.
4. Brush quail with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill quail for 12-15 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 24-30 minutes
Maple Bourbon Glazed Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup, bourbon, and grilled quail. Perfect for a special occasion or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Brush the glaze all over the quail, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Grilled Quail with Chimichurri Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Argentina with this simple yet impressive dish. Grilled quail pairs perfectly with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 quail, patted dry
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chimichurri sauce (recipe below)
Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Brush the quail with the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with Chimichurri Sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pomegranate Molasses Grilled Quail
Elevate your quail game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the bold flavors of pomegranate molasses, herbs, and spices. Perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quails with the pomegranate mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill the quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the quails rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Charred Scallion Dressing
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe featuring grilled quail paired with a tangy charred scallion dressing.
Ingredients:
• 12-15 quail, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large scallions, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quail with the mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
4. Grill the quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill the scallions over medium heat, turning occasionally, until charred (about 5-6 minutes).
6. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to create the dressing.
7. Slice the grilled quail into halves or quarters and serve with the charred scallion dressing spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tandoori-Style Grilled Quail with Yogurt Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of India with this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a unique dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder (or substitute with a mix of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper)
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, tandoori masala powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
3. Add quails to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove quails from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Brush with vegetable oil.
5. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt sauce (simply mix equal parts plain yogurt and sour cream) and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Peach and Jalapeño Salsa
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional quail, this recipe pairs tender grilled poultry with a tangy peach and jalapeño salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season quail with salt and pepper.
3. Grill quail for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a bowl, combine peach, red onion, jalapeño, honey, and lime juice.
5. Serve grilled quail with salsa spooned over the top.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Five-Spice Grilled Quail with Hoisin Glaze
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this Asian-inspired recipe that combines the rich flavors of five-spice powder and hoisin glaze with succulent grilled quail.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, patted dry
– 2 tbsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup hoisin glaze (see below)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Hoisin Glaze:
– 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together five-spice powder and salt.
3. Brush quail with the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Grill quail for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together hoisin glaze ingredients in a separate bowl.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush quail with the hoisin glaze and chicken broth mixture.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Quail Wrapped in Bacon
A twist on traditional quail dishes, this recipe combines the rich flavor of bacon with the tender meat of grilled quail.
Ingredients:
– 4 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Wrap each quail with 2-3 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. Brush the quail and bacon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the wrapped quail on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the quail is cooked through.
5. Let the quail rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter
Grilled Quail with Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter: Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and impressive dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, patted dry
– 2 heads of garlic, roasted (see note)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together roasted garlic, butter, parsley, and chives until smooth.
3. Season quail with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the quail with olive oil and place on the grill.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with roasted garlic and herb butter spooned over the top.
Note: To roast garlic, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of each head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until soft and mashed.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes per 12 quail
Summary
Get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game with these 18 mouth-watering grilled quail recipes! From classic herb-marinated quail with lemon zest to spicy honey glazed and smoky chipotle options, each dish packs bold flavors. Try Asian-inspired soy ginger quail or Mediterranean quail with olives and feta for a taste of the exotic. For sweet and savory, opt for maple bourbon glazed or pomegranate molasses quail. Whatever your flavor profile, there’s a grilled quail recipe here to satisfy your cravings!
