Maple-Glazed Florida Quail on the Grill

Introduction

Savor the exquisite taste of Florida quail, marinated in a rich maple glaze and grilled to juicy perfection. Using an Arteflame grill, we lock in the flavors with an intense steakhouse-quality sear before finishing on the flat-top cooktop. This method ensures each bite is tender, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 Florida quail, cleaned
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and allow the grill to heat for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Marinate the Quail

1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the quail in a dish and coat thoroughly with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Sear the Quail

1. Brush the center grill grate with butter.
2. Place each quail breast-side down onto the center grill grate.
3. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared quail to the surrounding flat cooktop.
2. Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
3. Remove from the grill when the temperature reaches 135°F, allowing carryover cooking to bring it to the desired doneness.

Tips

• Let the quail rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precision.
• Glaze the quail one last time while on the griddle for added caramelization.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Quail: Add 1 tsp Sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.
2. Citrus-Glazed Quail: Replace half of the maple syrup with fresh orange juice.
3. Honey-Garlic Quail: Swap maple syrup with honey and add an extra clove of garlic.
4. Balsamic Maple Quail: Add 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar to the marinade for a tangy twist.
5. Smoky Bourbon Quail: Mix 1 tbsp bourbon into the marinade for depth of flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon
• Grilled peaches drizzled with honey
• Medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir

Conclusion

This maple-glazed Florida quail is a standout dish that's sure to impress. The Arteflame grill brings out the best flavors by delivering the perfect sear and even heat for exceptional results.