When it comes to grilling, many of us reach for the classics: burgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts. But why not mix things up with a more exotic and flavorful option like quail? These small game birds are surprisingly easy to grill and can be seasoned with an incredible range of flavors. From spicy and sweet to savory and herby, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipes for grilled quail that will take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of bold flavor combinations that will elevate your quail game and impress your friends and family. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and international, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your grill, sharpen your skewers, and get ready to taste the thrill of grilling quail like a pro!
Garlic and Herb Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilling game with this aromatic quail recipe, infused with the pungency of garlic and the brightness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Stuff each quail with the garlic-herb mixture, dividing it evenly among the birds.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill quails for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Quail
This sweet and spicy recipe is perfect for a unique dinner or appetizer. With the combination of honey, chili flakes, and quail, you’ll experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili flakes
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, cumin, chili flakes, and water until well combined.
3. Brush the glaze all over the quail, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place quail on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Pepper Grilled Quail Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these succulent quail skewers, bursting with citrusy flavor from a zesty lemon pepper marinade. Perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail, patted dry
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 cup lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
– Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt.
2. Add quail to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated quail onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill quail skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley leaves. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary and Thyme Grilled Quail
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion. This recipe combines the earthy notes of rosemary and thyme to create a truly unique and delicious grilled quail.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges (optional)
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, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quails.
5. Place quails on 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
Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Grilled Quail
A flavorful fusion of Asian spices and grilled quail, this recipe elevates the humble game bird to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 4 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Brush the quail with the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Grill the quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and brush with rice vinegar.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Paprika Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the sweetness of quail with the smokiness of paprika. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the quails with the paprika mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place quails on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilled quail game with this sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of these succulent birds.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Season quail with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the quail with the balsamic glaze, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Grill the quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let the quail rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Cajun-Style Grilled Quail
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this simplified recipe for Cajun-Style Grilled Quail. This classic dish is perfect for a quick dinner or an outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere’s)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quail.
4. Place quail on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and brush with softened butter.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Grilled Quail with Olives
This recipe combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with the delicate taste of quail, resulting in a truly impressive and flavorful dish. Perfect for special occasions or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 quails
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
3. Season quails with salt and pepper, then brush with the marinade mixture.
4. Grill quails for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, top each quail with a slice of olive.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Mustard Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilled quail game with this sweet and savory Maple Mustard Glaze recipe. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Add minced garlic and whisk until combined.
4. Brush the quail with the glaze on both sides.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Five-Spice Grilled Quail
Elevate your grilled quail game with this Asian-inspired recipe that combines the rich flavors of five-spice powder with a sweet and sticky glaze. Perfect for a dinner party or a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 quail, patted dry
– 2 tbsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
3. Brush quail with vegetable oil and season with salt.
4. Grill quail for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush quail with the five-spice glaze.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your game with this flavorful and succulent quail dish, perfectly grilled to perfection and served with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quails
– 1/2 cup chimichurri sauce (see below for recipe)
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse quails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season quails with salt and pepper.
4. Brush quails with olive oil and place on grill.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Grilled Quail
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this simple yet impressive recipe for Jerk-Spiced Grilled Quail. This Caribbean-inspired dish is perfect for special occasions or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quails.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Grill quails for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Quail Stuffed with Wild Rice
Elevate your game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the tender flavor of quail with the nutty goodness of wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, cleaned and patted dry
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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 cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange and Sage Grilled Quail
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this flavorful and aromatic dish featuring grilled quail, infused with the brightness of orange zest and the earthiness of sage.
Ingredients:
– 4 quail, cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, and orange zest.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the quail.
4. Sprinkle chopped sage over the quail, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Quail with Pomegranate Molasses
Grilled Quail with Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this exotic dish by grilling quails and serving them with a tangy pomegranate molasses glaze.
Ingredients:
– 12 quails, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Place quails on the grill and brush with the glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until quails are cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Herbed Butter Grilled Quail
Herbed Butter Grilled Quail: Elevate your game with this elegant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With a simple blend of herbs, butter, and quail, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously savory treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 12 quail, patted dry
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Season quail with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of quail with the herbed butter mixture.
5. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Grilled Quail with Spicy Peach Glaze
Elevate your game day gatherings or special occasion meals with this show-stopping dish that combines the richness of grilled quail with the sweetness and heat of a spicy peach glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 quail, patted dry
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach preserves, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Season quail with salt and pepper.
4. Grill quail for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush quail with the spicy peach glaze during the last minute of grilling.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your outdoor dining experience with these 18 savory grilled quail recipes! From classic flavors like garlic and herb to bold and spicy options like soy ginger and smoky paprika, there’s something for every taste bud. Try skewering them with lemon pepper or stuffing them with wild rice for added texture. Or, go international with Mediterranean-inspired dishes featuring olives and pomegranate molasses. Whatever your flavor profile, these quail recipes are sure to impress.