Honey Roasted Pheasant Recipe
Overview:
Wild pheasants, known for their lean meat, are the stars of this delightful dish, marrying the sweetness of honey with savory herbs and spices. With a cooking time of just 35 minutes, this recipe promises a quick and flavorsome meal. Plus, if pheasant isn’t available, chicken can seamlessly step in as a substitute without compromising taste.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1034.8
- Fat: 52.7g
- Saturated Fat: 15.3g
- Cholesterol: 402.9mg
- Sodium: 227.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 2.6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 128.9g
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 – 3 pheasants
- Honey
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for roasting. |
| 2 | Prepare Pheasant: Place the pheasant into a baking dish, ensuring it’s ready for seasoning. |
| 3 | Add Lemon Juice: Pour lemon juice generously over the pheasant, imparting a subtle citrusy tang. |
| 4 | Drizzle Honey: Generously spread honey over the entire bird, ensuring it’s evenly coated for a sweet glaze. |
| 5 | Season Cavities: Season the cavities of the pheasant with a generous sprinkling of salt, pepper, garlic powder, tarragon, and thyme, infusing every bite with aromatic flavors. |
| 6 | Season Exterior: Lightly sprinkle the outside of the pheasant with the same blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, tarragon, and thyme, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile. |
| 7 | Roast: Place the seasoned pheasant into the bottom third of the preheated oven and roast until done. A helpful indicator of doneness is when you puncture the bird and the juices run clear, signaling perfectly cooked meat. |
| 8 | Check Carefully: Be vigilant not to overcook the pheasant, as its naturally lean nature means it can dry out quickly. Keeping a close eye ensures a moist and succulent result. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your honey roasted pheasant hot from the oven, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Enjoyment Tips:
- Pair this delectable dish with a full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich flavors of the roasted meat and honey glaze.
- Share this delightful meal with loved ones for a memorable dining experience, perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
Final Thoughts:
This honey roasted pheasant recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine while enhanced by the sweetness of honey and the aromatic blend of herbs and spices. With its quick cooking time and versatile ingredient options, it’s a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and celebratory feasts alike.
