Ruffed Grouse: Simple Recipes for a Delicious Wild Game Meal
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to bring home a ruffed grouse after a hunt, you know what a treat it can be. The meat is lean, tender, and has a mild, slightly gamey flavor that makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of recipes. Over the years, I’ve cooked grouse in a variety of ways, and I’ve found that keeping it simple often brings out the best flavors. Here are a few of my favorite recipes for ruffed grouse that anyone can make at home.
But before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the nutritional value of ruffed grouse. As a wild game bird, grouse is a fantastic source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving of cooked grouse contains about:
120-130 calories
25 grams of protein
1-2 grams of fat
It’s also rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. Since wild grouse feed on natural vegetation, their meat is generally free of antibiotics and added hormones, making it a healthier option than many store-bought meats.
Pan-Fried Grouse with Garlic and Herbs
This is my go-to recipe when I want something quick and flavorful. The key to cooking ruffed grouse is not to overcook it. The meat is lean, and if you leave it on the heat too long, it can dry out.
Ingredients
2 ruffed grouse breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the grouse breasts with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Place the grouse breasts in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and just cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
This simple recipe allows the natural flavor of the grouse to shine while the garlic and herbs complement it beautifully.
Ruffed Grouse Stew
When the weather turns colder, nothing beats a hearty grouse stew. It’s the perfect way to use up the whole bird, and the slow cooking ensures the meat stays tender.
Ingredients
2 whole ruffed grouse, cut into pieces
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
Fresh thyme or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the grouse pieces and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Return the grouse to the pot and add the broth, bay leaf, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours, or until the grouse is tender.
Add the potatoes and cook for an additional 20 minutes until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
This stew is rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner after a day spent outdoors.
Bacon-Wrapped Grouse
Everything is better with bacon, right? Wrapping the grouse breasts in bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the lean meat moist during cooking.
Ingredients
4 ruffed grouse breasts
8 slices of bacon
Fresh sage or rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Toothpicks
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the grouse breasts with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Wrap each breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
Place the wrapped grouse breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the grouse is cooked through.
Let the grouse rest for a few minutes before serving.
The smoky bacon adds a delicious richness to the mild grouse, making this a great option for those who are new to cooking wild game.
Grilled Grouse Kabobs
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or anytime you’re craving something light and flavorful. Marinating the grouse before grilling helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with extra flavor.
Ingredients
4 ruffed grouse breasts, cut into chunks
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh oregano or thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the grouse chunks to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated grouse, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini onto skewers.
Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the grouse is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
These kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy ruffed grouse with fresh vegetables.
I hope you give one of these recipes a try the next time you have ruffed grouse on hand. With its high protein content and rich flavor, ruffed grouse is a nutritious and delicious addition to your table. Whether you’re pan-frying it with garlic and herbs or grilling up some kabobs, this wild game bird is versatile enough to impress even the most discerning palate.
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