Grilled Quail in Citrus-Yogurt Marinade

Name: Grilled Quail in Citrus-Yogurt Marinade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: Serves 3-4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 kg quail, cleaned; cold water, lemon slices, salt and vinegar for the soaking solution; 2 tbsp yogurt (for the marinade); 1 tbsp honey (for the marinade); 1 tbsp pepper molasses (for the marinade); 1 small onion, grated (for the marinade); 1 clove garlic, crushed (for the marinade); juice of half a lemon and half an orange (for the marinade); 3 tbsp oil (for the marinade); 1 tsp each salt, black pepper, mixed spice, ginger powder and paprika (for the marinade)

Two steps make all the difference: a cold soak with lemon, salt and vinegar that cleans and tenderises the quail, then a marinade where yogurt softens, honey caramelises, and orange and lemon juice brighten — grill until burnished and serve over a parsley-strewn platter.

12 Jun 2026

Prep30 mins (+ marinating)

Cook25 mins

ServesServes 3–4

LevelMedium

How to Prepare

Soak the quail in cold water with lemon slices, salt and vinegar for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a smooth paste.

Coat the quail thoroughly and marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

Grill over medium coals or in a hot grill pan, turning, until burnished outside and just cooked through.

Rest briefly, then serve on a parsley-lined platter with lemon.

✦ Chef Noor's Tip

Quail dries out fast — pull it off the grill the moment the juices run clear; the honey in the marinade gives colour quickly, not a sign of doneness.