Quail is a delicacy that often graces the table on special occasions. Its rich, gamey flavor pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
But which ones are the best companions? Here are 15 tasty side dishes that complement quail beautifully, adding balance and excitement to your meal.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with quail are grilled sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffed mushrooms, blistered tomatoes, potato wedges, butter lettuce salad, yellow rice, zucchini boats, cauliflower rice, creamed spinach, polenta, roasted beets, apple slaw, pear and walnut salad, and couscous.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Fire up the grill for this one! Grilled sweet potatoes offer a caramelized sweetness that complements the richness of quail. Toss some sliced sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Grill until they're slightly crispy but still tender inside. The smokiness from the grill adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this side dish a real winner.
2. Green Beans
Green beans are a classic choice and for good reason. They add a snap of freshness and color to your plate. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil and garlic, and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest. The citrus notes lift the green beans, making them a light and zesty companion to your quail.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
Think of these as little flavor bombs that go off in your mouth. Stuffed mushrooms are versatile, rich, and pair incredibly well with game meats like quail. Fill button mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and minced garlic. Bake until golden, and voila! You've got a hearty, flavorful side that's perfect for a special occasion.
4. Blistered Tomatoes
Quick and easy, blistered tomatoes add a juicy, tart element to your meal. Simply heat cherry tomatoes in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil until their skins burst. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and basil. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the quail, creating a delightful balance.
5. Potato Wedges
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Potato wedges are comforting and can be flavored in various ways. Spice them with rosemary and garlic, then roast until crispy. The earthy, robust flavors of the wedges hold their own next to the quail, making for a filling and satisfying side.
6. Butter Lettuce Salad
For something on the lighter side, a butter lettuce salad is your go-to. Toss butter lettuce leaves with a simple vinaigrette and some sliced almonds for crunch. It’s a clean and simple dish that adds a refreshing touch to a rich, gamey meal.
7. Yellow Rice
The saffron-infused grains of yellow rice are aromatic and rich, making them a luxurious pairing with quail. Add some green peas or diced vegetables for color and you've got a side dish that's both visually appealing and deeply flavorful.
8. Zucchini Boats
Hollow out some zucchinis and fill them with a mixture of chopped vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is bubbly. This side dish is fun and interactive, and the mildness of the zucchini allows the quail to take center stage.
9. Cauliflower Rice
Light yet satisfying, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option that doesn't skimp on flavor. Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble grains of rice. Sauté with a bit of olive oil, salt, and perhaps a sprinkle of turmeric for color. The nutty, slightly earthy taste of cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully with the gamey flavor of quail.
10. Creamed Spinach
A true classic, creamed spinach adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Sauté spinach leaves in butter and garlic, then stir in some cream and a pinch of nutmeg. The richness of the creamed spinach works well with the intensity of quail.
11. Polenta
Soft, creamy, and comforting, polenta makes for a lovely base to soak up those quail juices. Cook cornmeal with chicken stock and a bit of butter, stirring until smooth. The mellow, buttery flavor of polenta serves as a nice counterpoint to the richness of quail.
12. Roasted Beets
For a touch of earthiness and color, consider roasting some beets. Toss them in olive oil and herbs, then roast until tender. Their natural sweetness and earthy tones add complexity to the meal.
13. Apple Slaw
For a fresh crunch, apple slaw is the way to go. Thinly slice some apples and toss them in a light vinaigrette with shredded cabbage and carrots. The tartness and crunch of the slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the quail.
14. Pear and Walnut Salad
Nothing says fancy like a well-crafted salad. Mix pear slices with walnuts and blue cheese, and toss in a light balsamic dressing. The sweetness of the pear, crunch of the walnuts, and sharpness of the blue cheese all contribute to making this salad a complex but delightful side dish.
15. Couscous
Quick to prepare and wonderfully fluffy, couscous is another fantastic option. Season it with a bit of lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. The light texture and citrusy notes of the couscous complement the quail perfectly.
What To Serve With Quail
Ingredients
- 1 quail
Instructions
- Make the best quail using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat quail with grilled sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffed mushrooms, blistered tomatoes, potato wedges, butter lettuce salad, yellow rice, zucchini boats, cauliflower rice, creamed spinach, polenta, roasted beets, apple slaw, pear and walnut salad, and couscous.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂