Cornish Hen Teriyaki
Juicy Cornish hen glazed with a savory teriyaki sauce, featuring soy, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for an Asian-inspired meal, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, ginger, and chopped garlic to make the sauce.
- Marinate the Cornish hen in the sauce for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake the marinated hen in the oven for 1 hour, basting with sauce 2 or 3 times during cooking.
- Remove from oven and cut the Cornish hen in half to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the Cornish hen overnight. If you don't have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. Adjust the sugar to your taste; honey can also be used for a different sweetness profile. For a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hen with steamed rice and a side of Chinese Asparagus for a balanced meal. A light salad, like a Chinese Asparagus Salad, can also complement the dish nicely. For extra flavor, drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the hen before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hen Teriyaki contains roughly 322 calories, with 14g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of a Cornish hen?
Yes, you can substitute a whole chicken for the Cornish hen. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken, typically allowing about 20 minutes per pound at 325°F. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I serve with this dish?
This teriyaki Cornish hen pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a stir-fry like Favorite Stir-Fry. You can also serve it with a side of noodles or a light salad to balance the flavors.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the Cornish hen a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bake it the next day as instructed for a quick and flavorful meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).