Dove Recipes
Why Dove? A Bird Worth Cooking
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, doves are small. No, they aren’t just fancy pigeons. And yes, they taste amazing.
Dove meat is lean, slightly gamey, and shockingly tender. It’s like if chicken went to culinary school and came back with a degree in “being extra.” 🎓🐓
But here’s the catch: You’ve got to cook them right. Overcook them, and you might as well chew on your shoelaces.
Getting Started – Cleaning & Prepping Your Dove
Okay, before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk prep. You can’t just toss these little guys in the oven and hope for the best (unless you like rubbery regret).
Step 1: Clean That Bird
- Remove feathers. All of them. Yes, even that one.
- Rinse under cold water.
- Pat dry with a paper towel like you’re giving it a little spa day.
Step 2: Deboning (Optional but Fancy)
You can cook dove whole, but removing the breast meat is the go-to move for most recipes. Just slice along the breastbone and gently peel the meat away.
It’s like surgery, but tastier. 🔪
Best Ways to Cook Dove – Let’s Get to the Recipes!
Alright, enough foreplay. Let’s cook. Below are several drool-worthy dove recipes that are as straightforward as they are delicious.
1. Grilled Marinated Dove Breasts
Nothing screams “I’m a backyard gourmet” like grilled dove.
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts (boneless)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden skewers (soak in water if you don’t want a flaming show)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss dove breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Thread onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Don’t walk away from the grill. These cook faster than your Wi-Fi disconnects during a Zoom meeting. 😂
2. Dove Wrapped in Bacon (Because… Bacon)
This one’s so good, you’ll slap your own hand for reaching for seconds. 🔥
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts
- 6 bacon slices (cut in half)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced)
- Cream cheese (because why not?)
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Slice a small pocket in each dove breast.
- Add a dollop of cream cheese and a slice of jalapeño.
- Wrap each breast with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or grill until the bacon is crispy.
Hot Tip: If your bacon isn’t crisping, switch on broil mode for the last few minutes. Just don’t burn the house down, chef. 🔥🧯
3. Buttermilk Fried Dove Nuggets
Finger food? Game night? Midnight snack? This dove recipe hits all the marks.
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts (cut into chunks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the dove pieces in buttermilk + hot sauce for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
- Dredge dove in the flour mix and fry until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
Warning: These are dangerously addictive. Hide them from yourself. 😅
4. Dove and Wild Rice Skillet
Time to class it up. This recipe is cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of “I’m a home chef now.”
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, thyme to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add dove breasts, sear both sides.
- Stir in wild rice and chicken broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes.
Optional: Add mushrooms and act like you’re filming a cooking show. 🎥🍄
5. Dove Tacos (Yes, Really!)
Taco Tuesday just got a major upgrade. 🌮🕊️
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings: avocado, salsa, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
- Season the dove with spices.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Warm tortillas. Assemble tacos with toppings of choice.
Bonus Points: Add lime and pretend you’re in a Mexican beach bar. 🍹😎
Storage and Leftovers
Let’s be honest—leftovers are rare when it comes to dove. But if by some miracle you have any:
- Store cooked dove in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently—don’t nuke it, or it’ll go from “tender delight” to “leather chew.”
5 FAQs About Cooking Dove
Q1: Is dove meat safe to eat?
A: Absolutely! As long as it’s cooked properly and cleaned well, dove meat is perfectly safe—and seriously tasty. Just don’t go raw-dove sushi style, okay? 🥴
Q2: Do you have to marinate dove before cooking?
A: You don’t have to, but it’s like seasoning your jokes with a bit of sarcasm—they land much better. Marinating makes dove tender and juicy.
Q3: What does dove taste like?
A: Somewhere between chicken and dark meat with a whisper of wildness. Not too gamey, not too bland. It’s like the Goldilocks of birds. 🐻
Q4: Can I use dove in any chicken recipe?
A: Mostly yes—but adjust cooking time. Dove is smaller, leaner, and cooks faster. Use chicken recipes as inspiration, not strict instructions.
Q5: Can you freeze dove?
A: Totally. Freeze raw, cleaned dove in airtight bags. Use within 6 months for best quality. Pro tip: label them—mystery meat surprises aren’t always fun.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Fear the Feather
Cooking dove is not just about eating—it’s an experience. Whether you’re grilling, frying, stuffing, or taco-ing (yes, that’s a word now), these birds bring a unique flavor to your table.
And let’s be real: there’s something deeply satisfying about serving a dish most people don’t even think to cook. You’ll impress your guests, your taste buds, and maybe even your dog (just don’t let him have any).
So go ahead—try a dove recipe, or five. Make a mess, have fun, and don’t forget to enjoy the big flavor in these little birds. 🕊️🔥
Bon appétit, feathered friend fans! 😄