Beer-Can Roasted Pheasant Recipe (Photo courtesy of Scott Leysath, "The Sporting Chef")
December 04, 2017
By Scott Leysath
Print Recipe
For even better-tasting upland birds, first submerge the pheasants in a brine of 1 gallon water mixed with 1 cup each kosher salt and brown sugar. Keep between 34 and 40 degrees for 6 to 12 hours. Drain, pat dry and start cooking.
Serves: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 whole pheasants, skin intact ¼ cup fresh, chopped rosemary leaves ¼ cup fresh, chopped basil leaves ¼ cup chopped parsley 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 lemon, sliced and diced ¼ cup softened butter Salt and pepper 2 cans of beer
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Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Starting at each pheasant's neck, carefully separate the skin from the body, trying not to tear the skin. The idea is to create a space between the skin and body. In a bowl, combine rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon, butter and a few shakes of salt and pepper. With your fingers, spread a layer of the mixture between the skin and breast of each pheasant. Liberally season cavity and skin with salt and pepper. Open beers and pour out (or drink) about ¼ of the liquid. Place one open beer can inside each pheasant. If you don't have a device to keep the pheasants upright, place them on their backs with the can opening turned up. Place pheasants in a baking pan and roast for 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 150 degrees. Allow birds to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
