5 from 14 votes
Simple Roast Grouse
This roast grouse recipe features whole birds rubbed with butter and stuffed with lemon halves, then roasted at high then moderate heat to develop crispy skin and juicy meat. The method includes basting with pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture. The result is tender, well-browned grouse with bright lemon aroma, suitable for an elegant roast meal. Optional brining before roasting enhances juiciness and seasoning depth.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings:
2
people
Calories:
898 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 grouse plucked and whole
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 lemon
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Remove grouse from the fridge and pat dry. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven is heating. Halve the lemon and stick each half into the grouse. Smear butter all over the grouse, including a small knob in the cavity and under the neck where the crop once was. Use more than you think you need, at least a tablespoon per grouse, preferably two.
- Place the birds in a roasting pan or cast-iron frying pan and roast for 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to 350°F and turn the grouse on one side. Baste it thoroughly with the melted butter in the pan. Roast for another 10 minutes. Repeat by turning the grouse on the other side. Be sure to baste again. Roast for 10 more minutes.
- Remove the birds from the oven and let rest on a cutting board, covered in foil, for 10 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Brining the grouse in a saltwater solution for 2 to 8 hours enhances moisture and seasoning but avoid leaving longer to prevent saltiness.
- Use unsalted butter liberally both on and inside the bird for richness and to keep meat moist during roasting.
- Let the grouse rest covered in foil after roasting to retain juices before carving.
- Pair with a pilaf that complements game flavors, such as recipes made with roast duck or venison.
Nutrition Information
Calories
898kcal
(45%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
126g
(252%)
Fat
38g
(58%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Cholesterol
45mg
(15%)
Sodium
243mg
(10%)
Potassium
1955mg
(42%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
525IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
29mg
(32%)
Calcium
139mg
(14%)
Iron
31mg
(172%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 898
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 898kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 126g | 252% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 243mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 1955mg | 42% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 525IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 139mg | 14% |
| Iron | 31mg | 172% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.