Oriental Grilled Cornish Hens
Juicy grilled Cornish hens infused with a sweet and savory Asian-inspired marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame, and ginger, perfect for flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove giblets from hens; reserve for other uses.
- Rinse hens with cold water and pat dry.
- Split each hen lengthwise using an electric knife.
- Place hens, cavity side up, in a large shallow dish.
- Combine pineapple juice, sherry, soy sauce, sesame seed, honey, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the hens.
- Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the hens overnight to allow the marinade to penetrate. You can substitute the dry sherry with white wine or apple cider vinegar if preferred. If you want extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Make sure to monitor the hens while grilling to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flavorful hens with steamed jasmine rice and a side of Pickled Sugar Snap Peas for a refreshing crunch. A light salad with citrus dressing can also complement the dish nicely. For an impressive presentation, garnish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds. Pair with a chilled white wine or a light beer for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Grilled Cornish Hens contains roughly 659 calories, with 24g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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 whole chickens instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can use whole chickens instead of Cornish hens. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger chickens will take longer to grill. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What can I do if I don't have dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or a mixture of white wine vinegar and water. This will maintain the acidity and flavor balance in the marinade, ensuring your dish remains delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the hens the night before and grill them the next day. This will enhance the flavors. Just ensure that they are stored properly in the refrigerator while marinating to maintain freshness.
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).