The Greatest Grouse Tsukune Meatballs (Japanese Meatballs)

These Easy Oven-Baked Tsukune Meatballs (Japanese Meatballs) are made with finely ground sharp tailed grouse meat and packed with amazing flavors!

What Is Tsukune?

Tsukune is a term used for Japanese meatballs and a type of yakitori – a type of grilled chicken skewer popular in Japan. They are commonly cooked on a small charcoal grill and eaten as street food or at restaurants specializing in yakitori. It’s now December here in Fargo, North Dakota and freezing cold, so I opted to not use the grill outside and instead try and make these in the oven. And it worked great!

A popular protein for Tsukune meatballs is chicken, but I used sharp-tailed grouse from a recent hunt here in North Dakota. You could use any upland bird such as ruffed grouse, pheasant, partridge, or chukar.

I love these Tsukune Japanese meatballs because they are SO EASY! The key to having these turn into nice juicy meatballs is keeping all the fat from your upland birds and putting it in the grind

Why Sharp Tailed Grouse Meat?

Sharp-Tailed Grouse meat is a hidden gem in the wild game world. This upland bird's mild flavor pairs beautifully with the umami-rich Tsukune sauce I used to baste these Japanese meatballs. Sharp-tailed grouse are plentiful in North Dakota, so they are a great source of protein in our house.

Hunting Sharp-Tailed Grouse in North Dakota

I shoot a lot of sharp-tailed grouse every year. Here in North Dakota, you can find these upland birds in the wide-open spaces of shortgrass prairie. These prairies are also home to mule deer, making the area a hunter’s paradise.

A great place to start your hunt for sharp-tailed grouse is the Little Missouri National Grasslands. This area spans an impressive one million acres of public land in the western part of the state. The vast open terrain provides excellent opportunities to spot and hunt these birds.

Sharp-tailed grouse are easy to hunt when I’m taking a break from waterfowl or deer hunting. A quick mid-day walk for upland birds often leads to success. Bringing home a bird or two makes the effort worthwhile, especially when you can serve them for a family dinner.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make Tsukune

Tsukune Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Grouse Meatballs

• 1 pound grouse meat, finely ground
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 6 wooden skewers for serving

How To Cook Grouse Tsukune Meatballs

Making the Tsukune Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the Tsukune Sauce ingredients.

2. Mix well and bring the sauce to a boil over high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce is reduced by half. This will take about 20 minutes. Set the sauce aside.

Preparing the Grouse Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground grouse, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and panko breadcrumbs.

3. Mix everything well with your hands until the mixture is uniform. This step is key to evenly distributing the flavors.

4. Shape the mixture into six oval-shaped meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, then use half of the Tsukune Sauce to baste each meatball. Continue baking for about 10 minute more or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F using an instant-read meat thermometer.

6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and baste them again with the remaining Tsukune Sauce.

7. Skewer each meatball two-thirds of the way down the skewer. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips For Perfect Tsukune Japanese Meatballs

• Grind Your Own Meat: For the best texture and freshness, grind your grouse meat at home. A food processor works really well if you are working with 2 pounds or less of any wild game meat.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
• Use a Thermometer: Wild game can dry out quickly. Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs.

Serving Suggestions From My Wife And Daughter

This grouse recipe, like all of the recipes on this food blog, was tested and approved by my wife and 9-year-old daughter. They suggest you pair these Japanese meatballs with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Or, serve them as an appetizer at your next football party or family gathering. The sweet-savory glaze of the Tsukune Sauce makes them irresistible.

More Upland Bird Recipes

We've got plenty of turkey, pheasant, and grouse recipes that come together easily for satisfying, family-friendly meals everyone will love! Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancier dish for your Thanksgiving table, we've got upland bird recipes for every occasion.

Come Sharp-Tailed Grouse Hunting in North Dakota

If you are headed our way for North Dakota grouse season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your camp cook, photographer, or butcher, you can find out more details here.

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE

If you make this Grouse Tsukune Meatballs Recipe, tag @wildgameandfish so I can share it on my Instagram stories.

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