Tamarind Glazed Grilled Quail with Kaffir Lime Relish
Tender quail, marinated in a vibrant tamarind glaze and grilled to perfection, offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory. It's served with a zesty kaffir lime and chili relish that cuts through the richness, creating an unforgettable appetizer.

Prep Time
120 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
4
Calories
350 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Butterfly the quail by cutting along the backbone and flattening them. Make several shallow cuts on the flesh of each quail to help with marinade penetration.
~15 min - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Add the butterflied quail and ensure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 4 hours in the refrigerator.
~10 min - 3
Prepare the kaffir lime relish: Finely chop the kaffir lime leaves, red chilies, and cilantro. In a small bowl, combine them with lime juice and vegetable oil. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
~10 min - 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated quail onto them.
~10 min - 5
Grill the quail for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with any remaining marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
~15 min - 6
Remove quail from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the grilled quail immediately, drizzled with the kaffir lime relish.
~5 min
Tips
- For easier grilling and even cooking, you can place the quail on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and grill it that way, or use grill baskets.
- The kaffir lime relish can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Featured Collections
Popular Recipes
HalalThai Lemongrass Shrimp & Mushroom Noodle Stir-fry
A quick and savory Thai-inspired noodle dish packed with plump shrimp and earthy mushrooms. The fragrant lemongrass and umami-rich soy sauce create a delightful flavor profile perfect for a satisfying lunch.
HalalSpicy Lime and Chili Cashew Clusters
These crunchy cashew clusters offer a vibrant explosion of Thai-inspired flavors. Tangy lime, fiery chili, and a hint of sweetness create an addictive snack perfect for any time of day. They are quick to assemble and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
HalalBitter Melon and Shrimp Stir-fry with Fermented Black Beans
This dish offers a unique balance of flavors, featuring the distinct bitterness of bitter melon expertly complemented by the savory depth of fermented black beans and the sweetness of plump shrimp. It's a quick and healthy dinner that's surprisingly satisfying.
HalalLychee and Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and floral lychee and honey glaze, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, slightly floral notes with a hint of savory chicken, making it an ideal light lunch.