If you are a home cook looking to try something new, learning how to cook dove opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore four fantastic methods for cooking dove. Each technique brings out the natural flavors of the meat while providing a variety of textures and taste sensations.
1. How To Cook Dove in Oven
Ingredients
- 8 dove breasts
- 16 strips of bacon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or metal skewers
Instructions
Rinse the dove breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add the dove breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let the dove breasts marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the dove breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Next, wrap each dove breast with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or metal skewer to hold it in place. Repeat the process until all the dove breasts are wrapped in bacon.
Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts on a baking sheet or oven-proof skillet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes
Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bacon, ensuring it’s perfectly golden and crunchy.
Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped dove breasts from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Carefully remove the toothpicks or skewers before serving. Plate the bacon-wrapped dove breasts and serve them as a tantalizing appetizer or a delectable main course.
2. How To Cook Dove on Stove
Ingredients
- 8 dove breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Rinse the dove breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the dove breasts in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight). This step tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle tangy flavor.
In a separate shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Remove the marinated dove breasts from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Next, coat each dove breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep-fryer, add enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 1 inch then heat the oil over medium-high heat
Carefully add the coated dove breasts to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
Fry the dove breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried dove breasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Allow the fried dove breasts to rest for a minute or two before serving to ensure the optimal texture and taste.
Serve the crispy fried dove breasts as a delightful and savory main course or a delightful appetizer.
Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
3. How To Cook Dove on Grill
Grilling dove breast infuses the meat with a smoky and charred flavor, making it a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here’s a mouthwatering grilled dove breast recipe:
Ingredients
- 8 dove breasts
- 16 strips of bacon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or metal skewers
Instructions
Rinse the dove breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add the dove breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
Let the dove breasts marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Remove the dove breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Wrap each dove breast with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or metal skewer to hold it in place. Repeat the process until all the dove breasts are wrapped in bacon.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts on the hot grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Grill the dove breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the bacon is crispy and the dove meat is cooked through.
Turn on the grill’s lid for the last 1-2 minutes to add a smoky char to the bacon-wrapped dove breasts.
Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped dove breasts from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Carefully remove the toothpicks or skewers before serving.
Pair them with your favorite grilled vegetables, fresh salad, or a zesty dipping sauce for an unforgettable dining experience.
4. How To Cook Dove in Air Fryer
Cooking dove breast in an air fryer provides a healthier option with a crispy and delicious outcome. Here’s an easy air-fryer recipe for dove breast
Ingredients
- 8 dove breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse the dove breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the dove breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the seasoned dove breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded.
Air-fry the dove breasts for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, or until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Once cooked, remove the dove breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Cooking dove at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures. So, you should experiment with the various recipes to find your favorite way to enjoy dove breast – tender, succulent, and full of flavor.
