Poultry
raw pheasant leg.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
pheasant leg
SERVING
CALORIES
134
PROTEIN
22.7g
CARBS
0g
FAT
4.3g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories134kcal—
Protein22.7g45%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat4.3g6%
Saturated fat1.2g6%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol71mg24%
Water72.1g—
MINERALS
Sodium45mg2%
Potassium262mg6%
Calcium12mg1%
Iron1.6mg9%
Magnesium20mg5%
Phosphorus210mg17%
Zinc1.8mg16%
Copper0.10mg11%
Manganese0.02mg1%
Selenium16.8µg31%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A15µg2%
Vitamin C0mg0%
Vitamin D0.10µg1%
Vitamin E0.20mg1%
Vitamin K1.1µg1%
Thiamin (B1)0.08mg7%
Riboflavin (B2)0.15mg12%
Niacin (B3)6.8mg43%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.90mg18%
Vitamin B60.50mg29%
Folate (B9)6.0µg2%
Vitamin B120.80µg33%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece120g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Excellent source of lean protein, crucial for muscle building, repair, and satiety.
- ✓Rich in B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- ✓Provides essential minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and phosphorus for bone health.
- ✓Lower in fat and cholesterol compared to domestic poultry like chicken, making it a heart-healthier option.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Pheasant legs have active muscle and connective tissue, making them ideal for slow, moist-heat cooking methods like braising, stewing, or confit to achieve tenderness.
- 2Always cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- 3Due to its leanness, marinating the legs for several hours in an acidic mixture (like wine or buttermilk) can help tenderize the meat and add moisture.
- 4When roasting, consider barding the legs (wrapping them in bacon or another fat) to prevent them from drying out.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate raw pheasant legs immediately at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 1-2 days.
- For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or vacuum-seal and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 9 months for best quality.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is pheasant leg healthy?
Yes, pheasant leg is a highly nutritious lean protein source. It is lower in fat and cholesterol than domestic chicken and provides essential B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, which support energy metabolism and bone health.
How much protein is in pheasant leg?
A 100g serving of raw pheasant leg contains approximately 22.7g of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle building, repair, and maintaining satiety throughout the day.
Is pheasant leg keto-friendly?
Yes, pheasant leg is ideal for keto and low-carb diets because it contains 0g of carbohydrates. It provides high-quality protein and a moderate 4.3g of fat per 100g serving.
What does pheasant leg taste like?
Pheasant leg has a richer, more 'gamey' flavor than chicken. The meat is darker and more flavorful than the breast, offering a savory, slightly earthy taste that pairs well with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
How do you cook pheasant legs to keep them tender?
Because pheasant legs are lean and muscular, they can become tough if roasted quickly. They are best prepared using slow-cooking methods like braising, stewing, or slow-roasting in liquid to break down the connective tissue.
Do I need to remove the tendons from pheasant legs?
Pheasant legs contain several thin, bone-like tendons that can be tough. While you can pull them out with pliers before cooking, most people find it easier to slow-cook the leg until the meat falls off the bone, then simply pick the tendons out.
How long does raw pheasant leg last in the fridge?
Raw pheasant leg should be stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator and typically stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you don't plan to cook it within that timeframe, it should be tightly wrapped and frozen.
Is pheasant leg gluten-free?
Yes, raw pheasant leg is naturally gluten-free. It is a pure animal protein, though you should always check the ingredients of any pre-packaged marinades or seasonings you might use during preparation.
Is pheasant leg better for weight loss than chicken?
Pheasant leg can be a better option for weight loss as it is generally leaner and lower in calories (134 cal per 100g) than many cuts of domestic poultry. Its high protein content also helps promote a feeling of fullness.
How can you tell if raw pheasant leg has spoiled?
Fresh pheasant should have a mild, slightly metallic scent and firm flesh. If the meat develops a strong sour or ammonia-like odor, feels slimy to the touch, or turns a dull greyish color, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
