Broiled Quail
Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours
Author: Allie Anderson
Ingredients:
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1 whole quail
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: Paprika, thyme, or your favorite seasoning blend
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½ tbsp tallow, butter or oil
Instructions
Prepare the quail
Using poultry shears, cut the quail down the back and remove the backbone.
Pat the birds completely dry with paper towels; this is key to getting a good crisp.
Flatten the quail by pressing down on the breastbone, so they lay flat, also known as "spatchcocking".
Season and preheat
Brush the top of each quail with tallow, oil, or melted butter.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or paprika.
Preheat your broiler to high. Adjust the oven rack so the quail will be about 6 inches from the heat source.
Broil the quail
Place the quail breast-side up on a rack set over a baking sheet. Using a rack allows for better air circulation and prevents the bottom of the birds from getting soggy.
Broil for 7–12 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
If you prefer, flip the quail halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
Serve
Let the quail rest for 5–10 minutes after removing them from the broiler. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.