Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li

Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li Recipe

Region / culture: Cornwall, Malawi, Thailand | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk, spices, and citrus. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

This recipe has its roots in Malay cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of aromatic spices. The combination of coconut milk, lime leaves, and lemongrass gives this dish a unique and exotic taste that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

6 cornish game hens
10 kaffir lime leaves, or fresh lime leaves
6 candlenuts, soaked in water for 10 minutes, or substitute skinless almonds, or macadamias
5 stalks of fresh lemon grass, trimmed and sliced
10 large shallots, peeled and halved, or 2 onions
10 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
8 red jalapeno chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 tsp turmeric
13.5 oz (383 g) coconut milk
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
0.33 cup vegetable oil
1 lime, cut into wedges

How to prepare

Cut the hens in half, lengthwise.
Pierce the birds all over with a fork and set them aside in a large deep bowl.

Rempah

For the rempah: fold the lime leaves in half, then tear off the central vein.
Cut the leaves into very fine shreds and set them aside.
Combine the candlenuts, lemon grass, shallots, garlic, chiles, and turmeric in a blender or food processor and process them into a smooth paste.
If needed, add a tablespoon or so of water to facilitate the blending.
Pour the spice paste into a large bowl.
Before opening, shake the can of coconut milk well.
Then stir the coconut milk into the spice paste along with the sugar, salt, and lime leaf shreds, and mix thoroughly.

Hens

Pour 1.5 cups of the rempah over the birds and marinate them for at least 30 minutes.
Reserve the remaining marinade.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Remove the hens from the marinade and scrape off any excess marinade.
Place the hens skin-side up on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the birds remain in the oven for 5 minutes longer.
Remove the hens from the oven.
Meanwhile, set a wok over medium heat.
Add the oil and the reserved rempah.
Gently fry the paste, stirring frequently, until it emulsifies with the oil.
Continue frying until fragrant and the mixture takes on a rich orange color and a porridge-like consistency, about 8 minutes.
The rempah is ready when the oil seeps from the mixture and has an orange hue (spoon off and discard excess oil). Keep the sauce warm.
Grill the birds over glowing red coals until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Pour the sauce over the hens and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Variations

Substitute chicken for game hens for a more budget-friendly option.
Add extra chilies for a spicier version of this dish.
Use different nuts, such as cashews or peanuts, for a different flavor profile.

Notes

The 0.33 cup vegetable oil is "necessary" to get the right result so don't skimp.
To make the rempah, add the hardest ingredients to the food processor or blender first and then the rest in order of softness. A smooth paste is what you should end up with.
Just prior to frying the rempah, you can fry up some fresh chile paste to give the dish some zing. I'd use sambal oelek for this or the Vietnamese tuong ot toi.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the game hens for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Roast the hens in the oven before grilling to ensure they are cooked through.

- Be careful not to overcook the hens on the grill, as they can dry out quickly.

- Serve the hens with a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe involves marinating, roasting, grilling, and frying techniques to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find lime leaves, you can substitute with lime zest. You can also use chicken instead of game hens for a more accessible option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the game hens in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li on a platter garnished with fresh lime wedges and cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the spices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds or macadamias) and coconut milk, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in proteins and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li is a delicious and exotic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With its bold flavors and aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, soaking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As I passed by a small food stall, the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and exotic spices wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I watched with fascination as the skilled cook behind the stall expertly prepared the game hens, marinating them in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili paste before grilling them to perfection over a smoky charcoal fire. The hens sizzled and crackled on the grill, sending up plumes of mouth-watering smoke that made my stomach rumble in anticipation.

I couldn't resist the temptation to try the dish, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic spices. The game hens were tender and juicy, infused with the fiery heat of the chili paste and the bright, citrusy notes of the lemongrass. The sweetness of the Li sauce added a delightful contrast, balancing out the spiciness of the dish and leaving me craving for more.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible dish for myself. I approached the cook behind the stall, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin on his face. He was more than happy to share his recipe with me, passing down the secrets of his culinary heritage with a generous spirit and a warm heart.

Back at home, I set to work recreating the dish, armed with the knowledge and skills I had acquired from the old cook. I gathered the ingredients – fresh game hens, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chili paste, and sweet spicy Li sauce – and set about marinating the hens in the fragrant mixture, allowing the flavors to meld and develop before grilling them to perfection.

As the hens sizzled on the grill, sending up plumes of aromatic smoke that filled the air with their tantalizing scent, I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride wash over me. I had successfully recreated the dish that had captivated my senses and captured my heart, and I knew that it would become a beloved favorite in my culinary repertoire.

When the hens were finally ready, I plated them up with a generous drizzle of sweet spicy Li sauce and a sprinkling of fresh herbs and chili flakes. The colors were vibrant and the aromas intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, transporting me back to that bustling street in Kuala Lumpur where I had first discovered the joys of Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li. The flavors were bold and complex, the heat of the chili paste tempered by the sweetness of the Li sauce, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures that danced on my palate and left me craving for more.

I shared the dish with my family and friends, regaling them with the story of how I had stumbled upon the recipe and learned to make it for myself. They were delighted by the exotic flavors and tantalizing aromas of the dish, and I knew that I had succeeded in passing down a culinary tradition that would be cherished for generations to come.

And so, the recipe for Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li became a beloved favorite in my family, a symbol of the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage that I had discovered on that fateful day in Kuala Lumpur. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge connections that would last a lifetime. And for that, I was eternally grateful.