How To Cook Dove

As an avid hunter and passionate cook, I find great joy in combining my love for the outdoors with my culinary skills. Today, I will guide you through the process of cooking dove with bacon perfectly at home. This humble game bird offers a unique and delicate flavor that, when properly prepared, can create a memorable dining experience.

1. How To Cook Dove

Ingredients

• 8 dove breasts, bone-in
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dove Breasts

Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, place the dove breasts in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Then add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the dove breasts gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Marinate the dove breasts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Bacon-Wrapping

Take each dove breast and wrap it with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary. This helps keep the bacon in place while cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the Dove Breasts

• On the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts directly on the grill grates.

Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove breasts are cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dove breasts and the heat of your grill.

• In the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a greased baking dish.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove breasts are cooked through.

• In the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped dove breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove breasts are cooked through.

• On the Stove

Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking.

Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts in the pan.

Cook for around 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove breasts are cooked through.

Step 4: Resting and Serving

Once cooked, remove the dove breasts from the grill, oven, air fryer or stove then let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent meat.

Carefully remove the toothpicks from the bacon-wrapped dove breasts before serving. Serve bacon wrapped dove breasts hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges for a touch of acidity.

Now, you know how to cook dove breasts in 4 different ways. The combination of tender dove breasts, savory bacon, and fragrant herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. So, the next time you embark on a hunting trip or find yourself with fresh dove breasts on hand, consider trying these bacon wrapped dove breast recipes of mine.