Welcome to the delectable world of smoked cornish game hens! These succulent birds offer a delightful culinary experience, combining tender meat with a tantalizing smoky flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, our comprehensive guide will lead you on a journey of discovery, unveiling the secrets to creating the perfect smoked cornish game hen dish. We'll explore a range of mouthwatering recipes, each carefully curated to deliver a unique taste sensation. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure where smoky perfection meets juicy tenderness, as we uncover the best recipe for smoked cornish game hens.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
THE BEST SMOKE CORNISH GAME
The Cornish Game Hen will become your signature dish after sharing with your family! You won't believe how easy and delicious it is! It is so easy to make a Smoked Cornish Hen- follow our simple recipe to learn how.
Provided by AJ Maudsley
Categories Main Course
Time 4h30m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Remove hens from packages and clean under cold running water.
- Make Brine by adding 1/2 C Kosher Salt, 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar, 1/2 orange (sliced), 4 Cups water.
- Boil for 2 minutes or until salt dissolved.
- Add 6 cups ice and stir until melted to cool brine down.
- Add hens to brine and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, overnight is acceptable.
- Preheat smoker to 225° F
- Remove hens and rinse well.
- Spatchcock the hens by removing the backbone with kitchen shears and lay flat.
- Season generously with the poultry rub of your choice or the following rub:
- 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground clove.
- Place on smoker for 20 minutes then increase heat to 350.
- Cook hens for approximately another 15-20 minutes or until a probe thermometer reads 165 in the thickest part of the breast.
- Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Carve and serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 grams, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams unsaturated fat
HICKORY SMOKED CORNISH GAME HEN
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk together the dry rub, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Season the washed and dried game hens with the rub and arrange on a sheet tray. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter to melt. Once melted, add the shallots and saute until tender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the chicken broth and orange juice. Bring to a simmer and let reduce down to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. It will easily coat the back of a spoon and be slightly syrupy. Once reduced add the apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Taste for seasoning.
- Prepare your grill/smoker for indirect heat with charcoal and hickory chips. Maintain your temperature at 275 degrees F.
- Arrange the game hens on the grill and cover. Smoke for 40 minutes. Remove the cover and brush the hens with the glaze, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the grill and smoke for an additional 15 minutes. Remove the hens from the grill, to a serving platter and let rest, covered with foil for 15 minutes before serving.
SMOTHERED CORNISH GAME HENS
Make and share this Smothered Cornish Game Hens recipe from Food.com.
Provided by The Range Rover
Categories Poultry
Time 1h40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Brown hens in the butter in a large skillet over a medium-high heat.
- Then place with breast up in a 13x9 baking dish.
- Add flour into the skillet stirring until smooth.
- Cook 2 minutes; stirring constantly over medium heat.
- Slowly stir in the broth and sherry; cook over medium heat, constantly stirring, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in salt and pepper.
- Pour sauce over hens and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour covered.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.6, Fat 27.8, SaturatedFat 15.8, Cholesterol 169.8, Sodium 1240.3, Carbohydrate 7.5, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.6, Protein 27.5
SMOKED CORNISH GAME HENS
For a luscious poultry treat, smoked Cornish game hens can't be beat. These little birds are richly flavored, juicy and smoke like a charm. In my opinion, a smoked game hen beats smoked chicken every time. To add flavor, the game hens are marinated in a basic brine containing apple juice, herbs and spices. Slow smoking with apple, cherry or peach wood gives these little birds a light smoky flavor. If you are a fan of smoked poultry, these smoked Cornish game hens will be something to cheer about. Juicy, tender and full of flavor, they will become an all time favorite.
Provided by Timothy H.
Categories Poultry
Time 3h20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine the brine ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove the brine from the heat and chill down to 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the game hens by cutting along each side of the backbone, removing it from the carcass. Push down on the breast to flatten, and then remove the ribs if you like.
- Marinate the game hens in the fridge overnight. Remove the birds from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Smoke the Cornish game hens at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 hours, or until the thigh temperature reaches 175 degrees. Allow the birds to rest for half an hour after smoking before splitting through the breasts and serving.
- Optionally, the game hens can be indirect grilled, or grilled over medium low heat 45 to 75 minutes, or until 175 degrees is reached.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Cornish Game Hens: Select hens that are plump and have a healthy yellow color. Avoid hens with bruises or discoloration.
- Prepare the Brine: Use a combination of water, salt, sugar, and spices to create a flavorful brine. The brine helps keep the hens moist and tender during the smoking process.
- Season the Hens: Before smoking, season the hens with a mixture of herbs and spices. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Control the Smoking Temperature: Maintain a consistent smoking temperature between 225°F and 250°F. Higher temperatures can dry out the hens.
- Use a Wood Chip Smoker: Wood chip smokers impart a smoky flavor to the hens. Popular wood chips include hickory, apple, and cherry.
- Smoke the Hens Indirectly: Place the hens on a roasting rack or pan above the heat source. This prevents the hens from burning.
- Monitor the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the hens. The hens are done cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
Conclusion:
Smoking Cornish game hens is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy this flavorful poultry. With careful preparation and the right techniques, you can create a succulent and smoky dish that will impress your friends and family. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and smoking woods to find your perfect combination. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Happy Smoking!
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