Hoisin Hens
Hoisin Hens offer tender Cornish game hens glazed in a savory hoisin and soy sauce mixture, perfect for an Asian-inspired flavorful main course suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a heavy wok or pan over high heat.
- Add olive oil and heat until hot.
- Add the Cornish game hens, breast side down.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Cover and cook for 6 minutes, turning the hens at half time.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, dry sherry, and chicken stock. Combine well.
- Cover and simmer over medium heat for 40 minutes, turning the hens at half time.
- Remove hens and halve them.
- Cook the sauce uncovered if needed to reduce until thick and syrupy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the hens in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. If fresh ginger isn't available, substitute with 1 tsp of ground ginger. Adjust the soy sauce and hoisin sauce to taste for a sweeter or saltier profile. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, making it a versatile option for your dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hoisin Hens over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce. Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This dish also complements well with Chinese recipes like Sweet & Sour Pork or Cantonese Chow Mein, making it ideal for a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hoisin Hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a baking dish with a splash of chicken stock to keep them moist, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hoisin Hens contains roughly 429 calories, with 14g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% 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 other types of hens or chickens for this recipe?
Yes, while Cornish game hens provide a tender texture, you can use smaller chickens or even cut-up whole chickens. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all pieces are cooked through.
What can I serve with Hoisin Hens?
This dish pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a hearty meal. You could also serve it alongside sautéed bok choy or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili sauce into the cooking process. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
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).