Best Asian Glazed Cornish Hens Recipes

Asian glazed Cornish hens recipes are a mouth-watering and delicious way to enjoy succulent and flavorful hen meat with an Asian twist. Asian cuisine is famous for its flavors, aromas, and unique cooking styles. The use of spices, sauces, and herbs in Asian cooking enhances the taste and adds an exotic flare to the dish. Cornish hens are a popular choice for recipes, with its small size making it easy to cook and serve.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Asian glazed Cornish hens recipes can vary depending on the recipe. However, some popular ingredients include:

• Cornish hens - cleaned and pat dried
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Five-spice powder
• Hoisin sauce
• Vegetable oil or sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper

Method

Asian glazed Cornish hens recipes are quite simple to make but require some preparation before cooking. Here are some of the common steps for preparing and cooking this dish:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F
2. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and vegetable oil or sesame oil. Mix all ingredients well
3. Place the cleaned and pat dried cornish hens in a roasting pan lined with baking paper
4. Brush the glaze mixture generously over the cornish hens
5. Season the cornish hens with salt and black pepper
6. Roast the cornish hens in the oven for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
7. Brush the remaining glaze mixture over the cornish hens for the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

Asian glazed Cornish hens can be served with a variety of side dishes or as part of a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, snow peas, and carrots
• Serve with steamed white or brown rice
• Serve with noodles or pasta
• Serve with a salad, such as an Asian salad with sesame dressing
• Serve with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking for a flavorful and exotic dish to serve for dinner, Asian glazed Cornish hens recipes are definitely worth a try. The combination of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and vegetable oil or sesame oil will give the cornish hens a unique and unforgettable taste. Don't forget to serve it with your favorite side dishes or as an addition to your main course. Enjoy!

Cornish hens are small chickens that are perfect for individual portions. These tiny chickens are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special dinner or a weeknight meal. Asian glazed Cornish hens are a delicious and flavorful dish that adds an exotic touch to your dinner table. In this article, we will provide valuable tips on making Asian glazed Cornish hens recipes that will make your mouth water.

Tip 1: Know Your Ingredients

When making Asian glazed Cornish hens, it's essential to know your ingredients. Asian ingredients tend to be unique and different than what you are used to. Some common ingredients used in Asian cooking include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and more. It's essential to choose high-quality ingredients that will help elevate the flavors of your dish.

Tip 1.1: Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a vital ingredient in Asian glazed Cornish hens since it's the base for the marinade. It's important to choose a high-quality soy sauce since it will be the primary flavor in your dish. Look for soy sauce that contains no MSG and is low in sodium.

Tip 1.2: Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar that's commonly used in Asian cooking. It's essential to use rice vinegar in this recipe to help balance the flavors of the dish. Make sure to choose a rice vinegar that's unseasoned.

Tip 1.3: Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that's commonly used in Chinese cooking. It's essential to use hoisin sauce in this recipe to add sweetness and depth to the dish.

Tip 2: Marinate Your Cornish Hens

One of the essential tips when making Asian glazed Cornish hens is to marinate the hens before cooking. Marinating the hens will help infuse the flavors of the marinade into the meat, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish. You can marinate the hens for as little as 30 minutes, but it's best to marinate them for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tip 2.1: Use a Ziplock Bag

Using a ziplock bag to marinate the hens is an easy and convenient way to ensure that they are evenly coated in the marinade. Place the hens and the marinade in the ziplock bag, seal it, and gently massage the hens to ensure that they are fully coated.

Tip 3: Baste Your Hens

Once your hens are in the oven, it's essential to baste them every 15 minutes or so. Basting will coat the hens in the flavorful glaze, resulting in a beautiful and deliciously glazed hens.

Tip 3.1: Add a Little Water to Your Glaze

Adding a small amount of water to your glaze will help prevent it from burning and becoming too thick. It will also help keep the glaze from drying out and will make it easier to baste your hens.

Tip 3.2: Use a Pastry Brush

Using a pastry brush to baste your hens is an easy and effective way to ensure that they are evenly coated. It's essential to have a brush with soft bristles to avoid disrupting the delicate skin of the hens.

Tip 4: Garnish Your Hens

Garnishing your hens with fresh herbs and vegetables will add an extra pop of color and flavor to your dish. Some popular garnishes for Asian glazed Cornish hens include green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and more.

Tip 4.1: Use a Microplane to Grate Citrus Zest

Using a microplane to grate citrus zest is an easy way to add flavor and brighten your garnish. It's important to choose a citrus that complements the flavors of your dish, such as lime or orange.

Tip 4.2: Use a Mandoline to Slice Vegetables

Using a mandoline to slice vegetables thinly and evenly will add a professional touch to your garnish. It's essential to use a mandoline with a sharp blade to avoid damaging the vegetables.

Tip 5: Use a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is the easiest and most accurate way to ensure that your hens are cooked to the correct temperature. Cook the hens until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking your hens to this temperature will ensure that they are cooked all the way through while still remaining juicy and tender.

Tip 5.1: Insert the Thermometer in the Thickest Part of the Hen

Inserting the thermometer in the thickest part of the hen will give you the most accurate reading of the internal temperature. Avoid touching the bone or hitting the thermometer on the other side of the hen.

Conclusion

Asian glazed Cornish hens are a delicious and exotic dish that's perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can make perfectly glazed and flavorful hens that will impress your friends and family. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, marinate your hens, baste them while cooking, garnish them with fresh herbs and vegetables, and use a meat thermometer. With these tips, you'll be on your way to making a delicious and unforgettable dish.