Lemon Herb Baste For Cornish Hens
A bright and flavorful basting sauce perfect for grilling Cornish hens, featuring zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and buttery richness. Ideal for summer barbecues or family dinners, this simple glaze enhances the natural poultry flavor with fresh, aromatic notes that appeal to both casual and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and rosemary to create the basting mixture.
- Brush the mixture on the Cornish hens while grilling to infuse lemon flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of thyme or parsley to the basting mixture. If you don't have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works well, but use half the amount. Make sure to baste the hens at least twice during grilling for maximum flavor infusion. This basting mix also works wonderfully with vegetables, so try it with Butter Glazed Carrots for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled Cornish hens drizzled with additional lemon juice for brightness. Pair with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and consider serving with a side of 1-2-3 Shortbread for a sweet finish. This dish also complements a light white wine, enhancing the lemon herb flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover basting mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have leftover grilled Cornish hens, store them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Herb Baste For Cornish Hens contains roughly 136 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
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 this basting mixture for other meats?
Absolutely! This lemon herb baste is versatile and can be used for chicken, turkey, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for different proteins.
What if I don't have fresh garlic?
If fresh garlic isn't available, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. While it won't provide the same fresh flavor, it will still add a nice garlicky essence to your basting mix.
How can I enhance the lemon flavor further?
To boost the lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the basting mixture. This will provide an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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).