Delicious Cornish Game Hen Recipe
Cornish game hens are the perfect meal for special occasions or just when you want something special. This delicious recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone. The flavor of the game hen is enhanced by the spices and herbs used to marinate it. The marinade is made up of a combination of orange juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil. The herbed marinade will infuse the game hen with subtle flavors that will make it tender and flavorful.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe you will need two Cornish game hens, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Game Hen
In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the game hens in a large ziplock bag, pour the marinade over them, and seal the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator and marinate the game hens for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the game hens from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the game hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Rub the butter over the surface of the game hens and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roast the Game Hen
Roast the game hens in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the game hen reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the game hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving
The game hens can be served with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. They can also be served with a sauce, such as a mushroom cream sauce or a garlic butter sauce.
Tips
To make the game hens extra flavorful, add some fresh herbs to the marinade. Parsley, sage, and oregano are all excellent choices. You can also add some citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, to the marinade for a hint of acidity.
Variations
For a spicy version, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also add some honey or brown sugar to the marinade for a sweeter flavor.
Conclusion
This delicious Cornish game hen recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. The herbed marinade infuses the game hen with subtle flavors and makes it juicy and tender. The game hen can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces to make a complete meal. The variations mentioned above can also be used to create different flavors. So, go ahead and try this recipe and impress your guests!