Ingredients and Weight:
- Cornish Hen (whole): 8 pieces (8-10 oz each)
- Orange juice: 1 cup
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh rosemary: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon (chopped)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons for frying
Preparation Time: 2 hours (including marinating and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the hen by removing any excess fat and rinsing with water. Dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and fry the hen on both sides until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried hen to an oven dish and pour the orange glaze mixture over the birds.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze is sticky and the skin is crispy.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dish.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: Approx. 350-400 (depending on the size of the Cornish hen)
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Dish Characteristics:
- Orange glazed gives the Cornish hen a sweet and sour taste combination.
- The combination of fresh rosemary and thyme gives a savory note to the dish.
- The skin of the Cornish hen becomes crispy after baking, providing a delightful texture.
User Comments:
- "The orange glaze was a great addition, gave the dish a unique flavor."
- "The crispy skin was a highlight of this dish."
- "I loved the combination of flavors, definitely a keeper!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to remove any excess fat from the Cornish hen to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor (rosemary and thyme). If not available, dried herbs can be used but adjust quantity according to taste.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce or honey based on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.