Cornish Game Hens with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Cornish Game Hens with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, a gourmet fusion of tender roasted poultry and a sweet, tangy glaze. Perfectly seasoned and oven-roasted until golden brown, the game hens are generously brushed with a luscious homemade sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. A touch of aromatic orange zest and a sprinkle of green onions add vibrant flavor and visual appeal, while a caramelized glaze takes these hens to the next level. Ideal for an elegant dinner party or a cozy family meal, this recipe balances bold Asian-inspired flavors with the homey comfort of perfectly roasted poultry. Serve with extra sauce on the side for a truly indulgent dining experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 0.5 cup Soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 2 Green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels, then season them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper each, inside and out.
Rub the hens with olive oil to ensure even browning during roasting.
Place the hens on a roasting rack in a baking dish or roasting pan, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the hens are roasting, prepare the orange teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest.
Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce to thicken it. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set the sauce aside.
When the hens are almost done roasting (around the 40-minute mark), brush them generously with the prepared orange teriyaki sauce and return them to the oven for the remaining 10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Garnish the hens with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Serve warm with extra orange teriyaki sauce on the side and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
681 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.8 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 2301 mg | 100% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 61.7 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 88 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 840 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
