You have probably noticed these small cream-colored eggs with a variety of speckles and spots splashed over the shell in the supermarket, accompanied by a hefty price tag. Yep, I’m talking about quail eggs. They might seem intriguing, but the unknown taste factor has held you back from giving them a try. I mean, what do quail eggs taste like, anyway?
Do quail eggs taste as unique and special as their appearance suggests, or are they not that different from the humble chicken eggs we’re all so familiar with? Let’s find out.
What Do Quail Eggs Taste Like? Flavor Profile Of Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are, well, eggs. Naturally, this means these delicious gifts of nature have two main components—the white and the yolk.
So, I gave these quail eggs a try, and I can say that they offer a delicate and slightly gamey flavor, slightly richer and creamier than chicken eggs. Their yolks, which make up a greater proportion of the egg compared to chicken eggs, have a quite lush, buttery taste. There’s a subtle nutty undertone with a hint of a slightly sweet flavor profile.
Despite their smaller size, quail eggs tend to pack more flavor, making them a unique and often preferred choice for certain gourmet dishes.
In short, they’re pretty rich in taste despite their tiny size. The reason? They’re more yolk than anything else.
You see, quail eggs have little to no whites, which are naturally quite flavorless. Naturally, it means you’ll feel a lot of yolk with each quail egg, so it is extra flavorful, creamy, and rich.
Be mindful, however—quail eggs should not smell. Their scent must be very subtle, if any, so discard any egg with a strong or unpleasant smell.
Cracking the Shell: A Flavorful Showdown between Quail, Chicken, and Duck Eggs
You might be thinking after that description of quail egg’s taste, “Hey, isn’t that pretty much like chicken or duck eggs?” I get you; it does seem like that. But, let me tell you, it’s both a yes and a no.
Eggs are eggs, and they taste very similar to one another. They all have whites and yolks ripe with a savory flavor. However, a discerning palate will immediately realize a few key differences.
Quail Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
Compared to chicken eggs, quail eggs are much smaller. But despite this, quail eggs are richer in flavor and creamier in texture due to their higher yolk-to-white ratio. Some may even say that quail eggs have a little extra something in the taste—an earthy aftertaste or a slightly “nutty” flavor.
Quail Eggs vs. Duck Eggs
Duck eggs can triple the size of quail ones, easily dwarfing them. But despite that, they have more similarities in flavor with each other than with chicken eggs.
Like quail eggs, duck ones have a bigger yolk-to-white ratio, making them umami and creamy to the palate. However, duck eggs have a slightly stronger flavor when compared to the more subtle quail egg, and their bigger size means that they can overwhelm a dish much faster.
Read More: What Do Duck Eggs Taste Like? – Dare To Try!
Nutritional Value Of Quail Eggs
Similarly to eggs from other birds, quail eggs are rich in high-quality protein and are a valuable source of vitamin D, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and many minerals [1]. However, quail eggs pack a bigger nutritional punch than others when eaten in similar quantities.
To make things fair, let’s compare 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of quail eggs and chicken eggs. That would be approximately ten quail eggs against two chicken ones.
In this portion size, you’d get a similar caloric value—158 calories for quail eggs and 148 for chicken ones. Regarding fat and protein, quail eggs have 11g and 13g, respectively, while chicken ones are lower at 10g and 12g [1].
So far, so good. However, quail eggs have almost twice as much riboflavin—61% of the DV compared to 32% for chicken eggs—and 66% of the DV for vitamin B12, compared to 43% for chicken eggs. It also has more selenium, iron, and choline [1].
But how does this connect to the flavor? Fair question; it’s not directly linked. But hey, here’s the upside: indulging in more of these tasty little eggs will give you a bonus boost of nutrients!
BITE-SIZE FACT: In the same quantities, quail eggs are comparable to chicken eggs regarding calories, fat, and protein. However, you get more vitamin B12, riboflavin, selenium, iron, and choline. Since the eggs are smaller, you can also eat smaller portions.
Do Quail Eggs Differ in Taste? Exploring the Factors that Impact Flavor
You might assume that all quail eggs taste alike, much like chicken eggs. But, in reality, a multitude of factors can influence the taste profile from the moment they leave the farm until they land in your refrigerator.
Quail Species & Breeds
Most quail egg production comes from the Coturnix species since they’re easy to raise and produce many eggs [2]. There are many varieties of Coturnix birds, but their eggs don’t vary in flavor.
People with farms or near them may enjoy eggs from the Bobwhite Quail, which taste similar to Coturnix but have a slightly gamey flavor. Other quail species are not used commercially for their eggs.
Diet and Environment of Quails
Experts say free-range poultry always produces healthier and tastier eggs [3]. Rather than cage eggs’ slightly bland and dull flavor, free-range quail eggs have a richer taste and a creamier texture. It’s the same but enhanced.
The secret is the quail’s diet. Free-range quails are able to enjoy their natural diet along with plenty of exercise and freedom to move around. This lifestyle certainly enhances both the flavor and nutritional content of their eggs.
Freshness and Storage of Quail Eggs
For the best flavor and maximum freshness, your best option is to store your quail eggs in the fridge and keep them unwashed.
Quail eggshells have a natural coating called the bloom, which keeps bacteria away from the porous surface [4]. Washing quail eggs removes the bloom, making eggs vulnerable to spoiling.
Unwashed quail eggs stored in the fridge can last up to six weeks but may absorb smells with time, which can change or dilute the taste [5]. If spoiled, quail eggs smell foul—identical to rotten chicken eggs.
BITE-SIZE FACT: Nearly all quail eggs come from the coturnix species. Free-range quail eggs have a richer flavor and are best stored in the fridge, unwashed, for up to six weeks.
Discover Some Cooking Techniques to Elevate Quail Egg Flavor
In short? All of them! You can use quail eggs in any way you might use chicken ones. However, keep in mind that their smaller size means shorter cooking times.
For starters, frying quail eggs require slightly gentler heat, and the flavor is virtually identical to chicken eggs. On the other hand, boiled quail eggs have a creamier, buttery finish, and you’ll need to cook them for two minutes for soft-boil and about four minutes for hard-boil.
Regarding pouching, the difference lies in the technique rather than the taste. You can crack open and pouch multiple quail eggs simultaneously, and cooking will take a minute or two at most.
Finally, you can also bake with quail eggs since they serve the same function as chicken eggs—adding stability and structure. However, their bigger yolk-to-white ratio may make your cakes or batters slightly thicker. Depending on size, you will need 3-5 quail eggs for every chicken egg.
BITE-SIZE FACT: You can fry, boil, or pouch quail eggs. Just be mindful of cooking them faster. If you bake with quail eggs, remember they have more yolk than white.
Best Recipes to Enjoy the Taste of Quail Eggs
Sure, you can boil or pouch your quail eggs, top them with salt and pepper, and call it a day. But what if you dared to try more?
Nearly all cultures have a dish that features quail eggs as the main stars. The options are endless.
European and American Quail Egg Dishes
Straight from the United States, you get this delightful Idaho Hashbrown Baskets recipe featuring baked quail eggs as the main attraction. These picture-perfect appetizers are a bite-sized delight worth trying.
Quail eggs are also featured in Spanish cuisine. Directly from San Sebastián you can enjoy quail eggs as part of a pintxo—a typical form of finger food. For example, this pintxo layers sliced, boiled quail eggs with anchovies, smoked salmon, and toasted baguettes.
Other options worth considering are mini Scotch quail eggs and pickled quail eggs.
Asian Quail Egg Dishes
The Korean side-dish mechurial jangjorim vaguely translates to “soy braised quail eggs” and features marinated quail eggs in a delicious mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and pepper.
Within Chinese cuisine, you can make the traditional Cha Ye Dan—or Chinese Tea Eggs—with quail eggs for a daintier aesthetic. The recipe involves marinating the quail eggs in soy sauce, cinnamon, pepper, anise, and other spices for two to three days.
Other recipes are the Filipino Kwek Kwek and Kaada Muttai roast.
Innovative Quail Egg Dishes
For those creative chefs that can afford it, you cannot get more innovative and luxurious than this Japanese tuna tartare made with quail eggs, tamari, kombu, and Oscietra caviar.
Creative cooks on a budget, do not fret—this feuillete of poached quail eggs with hollandaise sauce created by chef Geoffrey Smeddle is an exquisite delight!
BITE-SIZE FACT: Quail eggs are so delicious that cuisine from all over the world loves them. You can also use them to make smaller appetizer versions of other egg dishes.
Read Also: How To Peel Eggs Without Shell Sticking (Shell Slips Right Off).
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! You’ve been wondering, “What do quail eggs taste like?” and now you know. Those tiny, speckled quail eggs you’ve been side-eyeing at the grocery store? They’re like the gourmet upgrade to your regular eggs, offering a creamy, rich flavor with a hint of earthiness. And get this; they pack a bigger nutritional punch than chicken eggs!
Now, go ahead, shake up your breakfast routine, and crack into the world of quail eggs!
Sources:
- [1] Shoemaker, SaVanna and Hatanaka, Miho (2020). Quail Eggs: Nutrition, Benefits, and Precautions. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/quail-eggs-benefits.
- [2] This Happy Farm (2023). What Breeds Of Quail Are Best For Eggs? Retrieved from https://thishappyfarm.com/best-breeds-of-quail-for-eggs/.
- [3] Barrell, Amanda and Kubala, Jillian (2020). What to know about free-range eggs. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327423.
- [4] Iowa State University (2022) Eggs – is washing and refrigerating necessary? Retrieved from https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/thelivestockproject/eggs-is-washing-and-refrigerating-necessary
- [5] Humbly Rooted Home (2023). How to Store your Quail Eggs for Freshness. Retrieved from https://humblyrootedhome.com/how-to-store-your-fresh-quail-eggs-for-freshness.