ORIENTAL ROCK CORNISH HENS

Oriental Rock Cornish Hens image

Provided by Natasha Nalley

Time 1h55m

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 rock cornish hens - 1 to 1 1/4 lbs each
1 pkg herb flavored wild rice side dish or any other you prefer
1/2 stick melted butter (more if needed)
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/3 c soy sauce
1/4 tsp ginger powder
1/8 tsp monosodium glutamate like accent - optional

Steps:

1. Thaw hens if frozen. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Wash hens and pat dry. Discard any giblets.
2. Prepare wild rice side dish according to package directions. Cool slightly and stuff birds with rice mixture; fasten openings with skewers and lace shut with string.
3. Place hens breast side up on rack in open shallow roasting pan and brush with melted butter. Do not add water. Do not cover. Roast 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, brushing often with melted butter.
4. While hens roast, stir together sugar & cornstarch in small sauce pan. Stir in soy sauce, ginger and MSG (if desired). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
5. Boil and stir 1 minute more, until sauce is thickened. cool slightly.
6. Brush hens with soy mixture. Roast 20 minutes longer, brushing hens again with soy mixture until used up. Place on warm platter; pour sauce from pan over hens.