Home/Meats/Pheasant Breast
Back to Home
Pheasant Breast
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Pheasant Breast

Phasianus colchicus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Pheasant breast is a lean and flavorful meat that is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for meat lovers. It is often praised for its unique taste and is a popular game bird in many cuisines.

Scientific NamePhasianus colchicus
Region of OriginNative to Asia, but now found in many parts of the world.
Popular Comparisons:
Pheasant Breast VS AbalonePheasant Breast VS Alligator TailPheasant Breast VS Alligator Tail MeatPheasant Breast VS Fried Alligator Tail MeatPheasant Breast VS Alpaca Loin SteakPheasant Breast VS Spicy Andouille Sausage

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories165 kcal
Water
70%
Fiber0g
Total33.6g
Protein
30g(89%)
Fats
3.6g(11%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Health Benefits

✓High in protein, pheasant breast supports muscle growth and repair, making it an excellent choice for athletes and active individuals.
✓Rich in B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, it aids in energy metabolism and supports the nervous system.
✓Low in fat compared to other meats, it can be a part of a heart-healthy diet.
✓Contains essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for immune function and overall health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!As with all game meats, there is a risk of contamination if not cooked properly, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
!Individuals with certain allergies may react to game meats; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

How to Prepare & Consume

Pheasant breast can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. It is best marinated to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose pheasant breast that is firm to the touch, with a rich color and no signs of discoloration. Fresh meat should have a clean smell.

How to Store

Store pheasant breast in the refrigerator if using within a few days, or freeze for longer storage. Ensure it is well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

Myths vs Realities

MythPheasant meat is tough and gamey.+
RealityWhen cooked properly, pheasant breast is tender and flavorful, offering a unique taste that many find enjoyable.
MythAll game meats are unhealthy.+
RealityGame meats like pheasant are often leaner and more nutritious than conventional meats, making them a healthy choice when prepared correctly.
MythYou can only eat pheasant during hunting season.+
RealityPheasant can be farmed and is available year-round in many markets, not just during hunting season.

Healthy Recipes

Herb-Crusted Pheasant Breast with Quinoa Salad

This dish features succulent pheasant breast coated in a fragrant herb crust, served alongside a refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. Season the pheasant breasts with salt and pepper, then coat with a mixture of chopped herbs.
  3. 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  4. 4. Meanwhile, rinse quinoa and cook in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  5. 5. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6. Serve the herb-crusted pheasant breast on a bed of quinoa salad.

Pheasant Breast Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring tender pheasant breast, vibrant broccoli, and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a light soy sauce.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. 2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3. Add sliced pheasant and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4. Stir in broccoli and cashews, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5. Pour in soy sauce and toss everything together, cooking for an additional minute.
  6. 6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Pheasant Breast Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious and healthy tacos made with grilled pheasant breast, topped with a zesty avocado salsa for a fresh twist.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Grill the pheasant breasts until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet.
  4. 4. Slice the grilled pheasant and place it on the tortillas.
  5. 5. Top with avocado salsa and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Stuffed Pheasant Breast with Spinach and Feta

A gourmet dish featuring pheasant breast stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, wilted
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix wilted spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Carefully cut a pocket into each pheasant breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.
  4. 4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the stuffed breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. 5. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
  6. 6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pheasant Breast with Apple-Cider Glaze

This elegant dish features pheasant breast glazed with a sweet and tangy apple-cider reduction, served with roasted vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. In a saucepan, simmer apple cider until reduced by half; stir in mustard and honey.
  3. 3. Season pheasant breasts with salt and pepper, and sear in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. 4. Transfer pheasant to the oven along with mixed vegetables, roasting for 15-20 minutes.
  5. 5. Brush the apple-cider glaze over the pheasant during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  6. 6. Serve with the roasted vegetables drizzled with remaining glaze.

Mediterranean Pheasant Breast Bowls

A wholesome bowl filled with marinated pheasant breast, brown rice, and a medley of Mediterranean vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook brown rice in water according to package instructions.
  2. 2. Marinate pheasant breasts in olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Grill or pan-sear the marinated pheasant until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  4. 4. In a bowl, layer brown rice, grilled pheasant, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
  5. 5. Drizzle with additional olive oil and serve warm.

Pheasant Breast with Wild Mushroom Risotto

A creamy risotto made with wild mushrooms, served with perfectly seared pheasant breast for a luxurious yet healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup wild mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, heat chicken broth and keep warm.
  2. 2. In a separate pot, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, then gradually add warm broth, stirring frequently until absorbed.
  4. 4. Once the risotto is creamy, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5. Sear the pheasant breasts in a skillet until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  6. 6. Serve the pheasant on a bed of wild mushroom risotto.

Pheasant Breast Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

A light and refreshing salad featuring grilled pheasant breast, mixed greens, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 orange, segmented
  • 1/2 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Grill pheasant breasts until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, then slice.
  2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
  3. 3. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, orange segments, grapefruit segments, and walnuts.
  4. 4. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
  5. 5. Top the salad with sliced pheasant breast and serve immediately.

Pheasant Breast with Sweet Potato Mash

A comforting dish featuring roasted pheasant breast served with creamy sweet potato mash and steamed green beans.

Ingredients
  • 2 pheasant breasts
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. Toss pheasant breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes.
  3. 3. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Steam green beans until bright green and tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. 5. Serve the roasted pheasant breast alongside sweet potato mash and green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should pheasant breast be cooked?

Pheasant breast can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. It's important to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Is pheasant breast healthy?

Yes, pheasant breast is a lean source of protein, low in fat, and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy meat option.

Can pheasant breast be frozen?

Yes, pheasant breast can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

What does pheasant breast taste like?

Pheasant breast has a rich, slightly gamey flavor that is often described as more flavorful than chicken but milder than duck.

How long does cooked pheasant breast last in the fridge?

Cooked pheasant breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when properly sealed.

What are the best seasonings for pheasant breast?

Common seasonings for pheasant breast include herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, as well as garlic and citrus for added flavor.

Is pheasant breast more expensive than chicken?

Yes, pheasant breast is generally more expensive than chicken due to its status as a game bird and the costs associated with hunting or farming.

Can I substitute pheasant breast for chicken in recipes?

Yes, pheasant breast can be substituted for chicken in many recipes, but be mindful of cooking times as it may require different preparation.

Related Superfoods
Abalone Alaska Plaice Fillet Albacore Tuna
Comparisons
Pheasant Breast vs Abalone Pheasant Breast vs Alligator Tail Pheasant Breast vs Alligator Tail Meat
Nutrients
Protein in Pheasant Breast Calories in Pheasant Breast Vitamin-c in Pheasant Breast Magnesium in Pheasant Breast
Featured Guides
Health Benefits of Pheasant Breast Healthy Recipes with Pheasant Breast