Elevate your dinner table with the bold flavors of Ginger Garlic Glazed Cornish Game Hens, a recipe that combines crispy, golden skin with a mouthwatering Asian-inspired glaze. Succulent Cornish hens are basted in a savory blend of fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, balanced with a hint of sesame oil for a nutty finish. Perfectly roasted until tender, these hens are brushed with additional glaze during cooking for an irresistible caramelized coating. To top it all off, a drizzle of thickened glaze and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions add a touch of elegance and flavor. Ideal for special occasions or a showstopping weeknight dinner, this easy yet impressive dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry to help achieve crispy skin.
In a small bowl, mix together the grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the glaze.
Place the hens in a roasting pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the hens, including inside the cavity.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, brush more glaze over the hens and return them to the oven.
Continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the hens reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh and the skin is golden brown.
While the hens are roasting, pour the remaining glaze into a small saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Once the hens are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Drizzle the thickened glaze over the hens and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Calories |
2654 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.1 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.6 g | 183% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 800 mg | 267% | |
| Sodium | 5378 mg | 234% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.5 g | ||
| Protein | 238.4 g | 477% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 247 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 2619 mg | 56% | |
*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.