Brine & Bake Pheasant

This recipe is absolutely perfect for any dinner party you might be having. The flavor is absolutely amazing and perfect!
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 Whole Pheasant approximately 2.5 lb bird ideal
  • 2 Quarts Water
  • 1/2 Cup Salt Pickling, Sea or Kosher is best
  • 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1 Small Onion Chopped finely
  • 3-4 Cloves Garlic Chopped finely
  • 1 Stalk Celery Chopped finely
  • 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice Or juice from one lemon
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional
  • 2 Tbsp Butter Softened
  • 2 Tbsp Butter Cold
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste
  • Paprika To taste

Instructions
 

  • In large sauce pan, heat water until starting to steam and add salt, brown sugar and honey.
  • Turn off heat and stir until dissolved.
  • Allow to cool for ½ hr to 1 hour to room temperature.
  • Then add the onion, garlic, celery, lemon and optional cayenne; mix and add pheasant. 
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hrs (overnight is best to make for dinner the following evening).
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove pheasant from brine and discard brine.
  • Pat dry with paper towel; place breast side up in roasting pan.
  • Put 1 T butter under skin on each side of breast.
  • Then brush the softened butter over the skin on top. Add salt, pepper and paprika to taste. 
  • Roast for 1 1/2 hr, basting frequently, then take temperature in thigh and breast.
  • Temperature should read 165 degrees.
  • Once it reaches this temperature, remove from oven and cover in a warm place to rest for 10 minutes to allow reabsorption of juices.
  • Carve and enjoy!

Notes

Stuff cavity with small whole lemon and 1/2 onion chopped.
Stuff cavity with fresh sage, parsely and chopped garlic/onion.
Top breast and wrap drumstick with bacon.
Add ‘seasonal’ spices such as clove, nutmeg or cinnamon to brine and serve with cranberry sauce
Topics Entrees

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MacFarlane Pheasants bring gourmet flavor, convenience and flair to the menu. From appetizers to pheasant entrees, this traditional gourmet ingredient adds natural flavor to make simply sensational salads, appetizers and savory pheasant stir-fry dishes. We offer a wide selection of pheasant recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees.