Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens

Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens Recipe from Cornwall

Region / culture: Cornwall | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens is a flavorful and delicious dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. The combination of tangy lime juice, savory garlic, and spicy red pepper flakes creates a unique and mouthwatering marinade for the Cornish hens. Grilling the hens adds a smoky and charred flavor that complements the marinade perfectly.

History

Cornish hens are small chickens that are traditionally from Cornwall, England. They are prized for their tender and juicy meat, making them a popular choice for special occasions and holiday meals. The addition of lime juice, garlic, and other seasonings to the marinade gives this classic dish a modern and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

2 cornish game hens, each weighing about 1.25 lb (567 g)
0.33 cup of fresh lime juice
3 minced garlic cloves
1.5 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp of orange zest
0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes

How to prepare

Cut the wing tips off the hens.
Using poultry shears, remove the hen's backbone by cutting down along both sides and discard it.
Open the hen and cut it in half down the center of the breast.
Repeat the previous step with the other hen.
In a measuring cup, stir together lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
Place the hens in a resealable plastic freezer bag and pour in the marinade.
Seal the bag and ensure the marinade coats the hens evenly by gently squeezing the bag.
Put the bag in a bowl to catch any potential leaks.
Marinate the hens in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat a barbecue grill to medium heat.
Oil the grill to prevent sticking.
Remove the hens from the marinade.
Drain the marinade into a small saucepan, bring it to a full boil, and let it boil for 2 minutes.
Place the hens on the grill with the skin side down.
Baste the hens with some of the marinade.
Grill the hens until they are lightly browned on the underside, approximately 10 minutes.
Use a metal spatula to loosen the hens and carefully turn them over.
Continue grilling the hens, basting occasionally, and turning and moving them as necessary, until they are no longer pink in the thickest part, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes.
Discard any remaining marinade.
Serve the hens, removing the skin before eating.

Variations

Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use different spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicier marinade.

Notes

If you like spicy, use 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or add a minced chili to the marinade. For deepest flavor, marinate the hens overnight.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the hens for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Preheat the grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and to prevent the hens from burning.

- Baste the hens with the marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use lemon zest instead of orange zest.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the hens in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer for a refreshing and complementary drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. They are relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making them a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. The tangy marinade and smoky grilled flavor make this dish a standout on any menu. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Maria was an incredible cook and always had the most delicious meals prepared for her guests. On this particular day, she had something special planned for dinner – Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of garlic and lime wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then ushered me over to the stove where she was preparing the marinade for the hens.

“Have you ever tried Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens before, my dear?” Maria asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the combination of flavors. “No, I haven’t. But it sounds absolutely delicious.”

Maria grinned and handed me a spoonful of the marinade to taste. The zesty lime and pungent garlic flavors danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of flavors that made my mouth water.

“I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother,” Maria explained, as she continued to mix the marinade. “It’s a family secret that has been passed down through the generations.”

I listened intently as Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She told me how her great-grandmother had come across it during a trip to Mexico many years ago. The locals had shown her how to prepare the hens using a combination of fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a blend of spices that were unique to the region.

Maria’s great-grandmother had brought the recipe back home with her and it had become a family favorite ever since. Maria had learned how to make it from her mother, who had learned it from her grandmother, and now she was passing it on to me.

As we continued to chat and prepare the hens, Maria shared her tips and tricks for making the dish perfect every time. She explained how important it was to let the hens marinate for at least an hour before grilling them, to ensure that the flavors had time to penetrate the meat.

After the hens had marinated, Maria showed me how to grill them to perfection. She brushed each hen with the remaining marinade before placing them on the grill, where they sizzled and charred beautifully under the heat.

As the hens cooked, the scent of garlic and lime grew stronger, making my stomach growl in anticipation. When they were finally ready, Maria plated them up and garnished them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

We sat down at the table and dug into the hens, savoring every juicy, flavorful bite. The meat was tender and succulent, with a hint of tangy lime and a kick of garlic that lingered on my taste buds long after the meal was over.

After dinner, Maria gave me a handwritten copy of the recipe, so that I could make it for my own family and friends. I thanked her profusely for sharing such a delicious recipe with me, and promised to keep the tradition alive by passing it on to future generations.

To this day, Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens remains one of my favorite dishes to make for special occasions. Every time I prepare it, I think of Maria and the warm summer day when she introduced me to this family recipe. It’s a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.