When it comes to game meat, few options are as coveted by chefs and home cooks alike than savory grouse. With its rich flavor profile and tender texture, grouse is a delight to work with in the kitchen. But where do you start when it comes to preparing this prized bird? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering grouse recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
From classic pairings like pan-seared grouse with rosemary butter to more adventurous takes like grouse tacos with spicy slaw, our selection of recipes is designed to showcase the incredible versatility of this beloved game bird. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just looking for a new culinary challenge, we’ve got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll delve into the world of grouse cuisine and provide you with inspiration and guidance to create your own delectable dishes. So saddle up and join us on this gastronomic journey – your taste buds will thank you!
Pan-Seared Grouse with Rosemary Butter
Experience the flavors of the wild with this succulent grouse recipe, perfectly seared and served with a fragrant rosemary butter.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouse breast or thighs, skin removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season grouse with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear grouse for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove grouse from skillet and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
6. Place the rosemary butter in the same skillet used for the grouse, and cook over low heat until melted and fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
7. Serve the pan-seared grouse with the warm rosemary butter spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow-Cooked Grouse Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a perfect way to enjoy the rich flavor of grouse, slow-cooked with root vegetables in a comforting and savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse breast or thighs
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. Add the grouse and coat evenly.
3. In the slow cooker, combine chopped vegetables, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and red wine (if using).
4. Place the grouse on top of the vegetables.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Grouse Breast with Blackberry Reduction
Elevate your game bird dish with this sweet and savory recipe featuring grouse breast paired with a rich blackberry reduction. This flavorful combination is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 grouse breasts
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season grouse breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear grouse breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine blackberries, honey, and red wine vinegar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened into a reduction.
5. Serve grouse breasts with the warm blackberry reduction spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Grilled Grouse with Garlic and Thyme
Elevate your game bird cooking experience with this flavorful recipe, perfect for a special occasion or weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 grouse breasts (or substitute with pheasant or quail)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, and butter until well combined.
3. Brush the grouse breasts with the garlic-butter mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the grouse on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Grouse and Wild Mushroom Risotto
Savor the rich flavors of the great outdoors with this recipe for Grouse and Wild Mushroom Risotto, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups mixed wild mushrooms (e.g., chanterelle, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 grouse breasts, cooked and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add white wine and stir until absorbed. Then, add warmed broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in butter, grouse, and wild mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Roasted Grouse with Juniper Berries
This traditional Scottish recipe pairs the rich flavor of roasted grouse with the earthy, pine-like taste of juniper berries. Perfect for a special occasion or game day dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole grouse (about 1 1/2 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup juniper berries, crushed
– 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the grouse inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together crushed juniper berries and olive oil.
4. Rub the juniper-olive mixture all over the grouse, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the grouse in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the grouse reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste the grouse with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
8. Remove from oven when cooked, and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
Grouse Pie with Flaky Pastry
This traditional Scottish recipe combines tender grouse meat with a rich, savory filling and topped with flaky pastry. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse breast or thighs, cooked and diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the grouse meat, chicken broth, red wine, flour, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the filling thickens.
4. Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
5. Spoon the grouse filling onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water) and make a few small slits in the top for steam to escape.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grouse Confit with Crispy Skin
A classic game bird dish that showcases the rich flavors of grouse, paired with a crispy skin that’s both textural and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 4 grouse, cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Season the grouse with salt and pepper.
5. Place the grouse in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, red wine, and honey.
7. Brush the glaze over the grouse during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Grouse Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Experience the bold flavors of the Wild West with this innovative recipe that combines tender grouse, crispy tacos, and a tangy spicy slaw. Perfect for adventurous eaters, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound grouse breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Spicy Slaw (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, sour cream
Spicy Slaw:
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add grouse to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill grouse until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled grouse, Spicy Slaw, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Smoked Grouse with Applewood
Smoked Grouse with Applewood Recipe
Experience the rich flavor of smoked grouse paired with the sweet and savory notes of applewood smoke.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse breast or thighs, cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup applewood chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the grouse with the sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Place the grouse in the smoker, breast side down if using breasts.
5. Close the lid and let the grouse smoke for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. During the last hour of smoking, add the applewood chips to the smoker.
7. Remove the grouse from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Note: You can adjust the smoking time based on your preference for doneness and tenderness.
Grouse Stir-Fry with Asian Greens
A flavorful and healthy dish that combines tender grouse with a medley of Asian greens, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion. This recipe showcases the rich flavor of grouse paired with the nutty taste of bok choy and the crunch of scallions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed Asian greens (bok choy, Chinese broccoli, gai lan)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the grouse and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the Asian greens and cook until they start to wilt, about 1 minute.
5. Return the grouse to the pan and stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grouse Sausages with Sage and Onion
Grouse Sausages with Sage and Onion Recipe
This classic game bird sausage recipe combines the rich flavor of grouse with the earthy notes of sage and onion, making it a perfect addition to any fall or winter menu.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse sausages
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the sausage links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the sausages and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped onion and sage.
5. Place the onion-sage mixture evenly distributed around the sausages.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through and slightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grouse and Red Wine Jus
This classic game dish is elevated by a rich and flavorful jus made with red wine, perfect for serving alongside roasted grouse. This recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup game stock (or chicken stock as a substitute)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add the red wine, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until reduced by half.
6. Add the game stock and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer the jus for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grouse Pâté with Cranberry Compote
Elevate your game day or special occasion with this rich and flavorful combination of grouse pâté and cranberry compote. This savory dish is perfect for those who appreciate the bold flavors of wild game.
Ingredients:
For the Grouse Pâté:
– 1 lb grouse, boned and ground
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cognac (optional)
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Compote:
– 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix grouse, butter, garlic, and cognac (if using) in a bowl until just combined. Season with salt.
3. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until pâté is cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until compote thickens.
5. Serve the grouse pâté with the warm cranberry compote spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grouse Kebabs with Lemon Marinade
Get ready to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with these succulent grouse kebabs marinated in a zesty lemon mixture.
Ingredients:
– 500g grouse breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary.
2. Add the grouse pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated grouse onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grouse Ragu with Pappardelle Pasta
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this hearty Grouse Ragu paired with perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of gamey grouse, tender vegetables, and savory tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb grouse breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup pappardelle pasta
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add grouse and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove grouse from skillet and set aside. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add tomato sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Cook pappardelle pasta according to package instructions. Toss with grouse ragu and serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Grouse Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles
Elevate your game dish with this rich and savory grouse wellington, featuring earthy mushroom duxelles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound grouse breast or thighs, boned and skinned
– 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles (see below for recipe)
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Duxelles:
– 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the grouse with salt and pepper.
3. Roll out puff pastry to a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
4. Place the grouse in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
5. Spoon the mushroom duxelles over the grouse, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and fold the pastry over the filling to form a square or rectangle shape.
7. Crimp the edges to seal and use any excess pastry to decorate the top.
8. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grouse and Chestnut Soup
Grouse and Chestnut Soup Recipe
Summary
Get ready to taste the thrill of game season with these 18 savory grouse recipes! From classic dishes like pan-seared grouse with rosemary butter and slow-cooked stew with root vegetables, to bold twists like grouse tacos with spicy slaw and smoked grouse with applewood, there’s something for every game lover. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a flavorful stir-fry, these recipes showcase the versatility of grouse as an ingredient. So fire up your oven, sharpen your knives, and get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure like no other!
