- 6 whole jumbo quail (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh gingerroot
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds
- 1/4 cup corn or canola oil
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water
- With poultry shears or a sharp knife cut off necks, feet, and first 2 wing joints of each quail and discard. Cut out and discard backbones and halve each quail lengthwise through breast. Arrange quail halves in one layer in a shallow flameproof baking pan.
- Chop cilantro and in a small bowl stir together with gingerroot, soy sauce, cumin, ground coriander, and oil. Spoon marinade over quail, turning to coat and rubbing marinade into both sides. Marinate quail, covered and chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 12.
- Preheat broiler.
- Season quail lightly on both sides with pepper and salt and arrange, skin sides up, in pan with marinade. Broil quail 3 to 4 inches from heat 5 to 7 minutes. Turn quail over and baste with pan juices. Broil quail 2 to 3 minutes more, or until cooked to barely pink for medium.
- Transfer quail to a platter and pour off fat from pan. On stovetop deglaze pan with water over moderate heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits. Spoon pan juices over quail.