Grilling the Perfect Cornish Hen
Grilling a Cornish hen can be a delicious and impressive meal to serve at your next gathering. These small birds are perfect for individual servings and can be easily grilled to perfection. Follow these simple steps to grill the perfect Cornish hen for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions:
- Prepare the grill by preheating it to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating up, prepare the Cornish hens. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Brush the hens with olive oil and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For added flavor, tuck a few sprigs of fresh herbs into the cavity of each hen.
- Place the hens on the grill, breast side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice sear and grill marks.
- Once the hens are seared, move them to the cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to medium. Close the lid and continue grilling for another 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bird.
- Serve the grilled Cornish hens with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Grilling Cornish hens is a simple and flavorful way to impress your guests at your next cookout. With just a few simple seasonings and the right grilling technique, you can enjoy tender and juicy hens hot off the grill. So fire up the barbecue and give this recipe a try for a memorable meal that everyone will love!
Share your tips and techniques for grilling the perfect Cornish hen in the Cooking Techniques forum.
FAQ:
What is the best way to prepare Cornish hen for grilling?
The best way to prepare Cornish hen for grilling is to marinate it in a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and oil for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and help keep it moist during grilling.
How should I season Cornish hen before grilling?
Season the Cornish hen with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
What is the ideal grilling temperature for Cornish hen?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-205°C). This will ensure that the Cornish hen cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
How long does it take to grill a Cornish hen?
Grill the Cornish hen for about 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. It’s important to rotate the hen occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Should I use direct or indirect heat when grilling Cornish hen?
Start by searing the Cornish hen over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to get a nice char. Then, move it to an area of the grill with indirect heat to finish cooking. This will help prevent the outside from burning while allowing the inside to cook through.
How can I tell if the Cornish hen is done grilling?
The Cornish hen is done grilling when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Another way to check is by piercing the thickest part of the meat with a fork – if the juices run clear and there is no pinkness, it’s ready to be taken off the grill.
Should I let the Cornish hen rest after grilling?
Yes, it’s important to let the Cornish hen rest for about 5-10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird.
Was this page helpful?
Read Next: How To Grill Flank Steak For Carne Asada
Related Articles
