Beer Can Cornish Game Hen Delight
Experience the whimsical joy of cooking with our Beer Can Cornish Game Hen Delight, where succulent meat meets a crisp, golden exterior. Utilizing the classic 'beer can' method, this dish not only makes for an entertaining cooking process but also results in deeply flavorful, juicy game hen that's perfect for a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The aromatic Greek seasoning and hints of garlic elevate this dish, while a chosen craft beer adds a rich depth of flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite sautéed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
2
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hen
1 (Whole, cleaned and patted dry)
Beer
12 ounces (Craft beer of choice, preferably Arrogant Bastard Ale or another flavorful ale)
All-purpose Greek seasoning
to taste (Sprinkled liberally on the hen)
Garlic salt
to taste (Coated generously on the hen)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground or coarse, as desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
3
Unpack the Cornish game hen, ensuring it is rinsed and patted dry. If using a frozen hen, ensure it is fully thawed.
4
Choose a suitable beer can (or soda can). Fill it with your selected beer, leaving some space at the top, and pop the tab if using a can with a pull tab.
5
Rub the hen all over with garlic salt, Greek seasoning, and black pepper, ensuring you cover every nook and cranny. You can do this either by shaking the spices in a ziplock bag with the hen or directly sprinkling them on the hen.
6
Firmly insert the can into the cavity of the hen, ensuring it stands upright. This will help the hen to roast evenly.
7
Place the hen upright on the prepared broiler pan and set it in the center of your preheated oven.
8
Set a timer for 45 minutes. Use this time to relax, enjoy a drink, or prepare a delightful side dish.
9
Once the timer goes off, check that the juices run clear at the thigh joint to confirm that the hen is cooked through.
10
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use tongs to gently extract the hot can from the hen's cavity. Exercise caution as the can and the contents will be very hot.
11
Slice the hen as desired and serve immediately, taking care not to spill any of the beer inside. Enjoy your flavorful craft beer-infused Cornish hen!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
3g
Carbs
39.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beer Can Cornish Game Hen Delight?
It is a whimsical and flavorful dish where a Cornish game hen is roasted upright over a beer can to achieve succulent meat and a crisp, golden exterior.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting.
How long does it take to cook the Cornish hen?
The hen typically takes about 45 minutes to roast in the center of the oven.
What type of beer is recommended?
A flavorful craft beer, such as Arrogant Bastard Ale or another flavorful ale, is recommended for the best depth of flavor.
Can I use a soda can instead of a beer can?
Yes, a suitable soda can can be used as an alternative to a beer can for this method.
How can I tell if the hen is fully cooked?
The hen is done when the juices run clear at the thigh joint after the 45-minute timer goes off.
Do I need to thaw the hen before cooking?
Yes, if you are using a frozen hen, ensure it is fully thawed before starting the preparation.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses garlic salt, all-purpose Greek seasoning, and black pepper to flavor the bird.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides a high amount of protein, approximately 39.5g per serving.
What is the best way to clean up after cooking?
Lining your broiler pan with aluminum foil before you start will make the cleanup process much easier.
How should I apply the spices to the hen?
You can either sprinkle the spices directly on the hen or shake the spices in a ziplock bag with the hen to ensure every nook and cranny is covered.
Where should the hen be placed in the oven?
Place the hen upright on a broiler pan in the center of the preheated oven for even roasting.
How do I safely remove the beer can?
Use tongs to gently extract the hot can from the hen's cavity, exercising extreme caution as the can and its contents will be very hot.
Should I rinse the hen before cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest ensuring the hen is rinsed and then patted dry before applying seasonings.
What are the benefits of the 'beer can' cooking method?
This method allows the hen to roast evenly while the evaporating beer keeps the interior meat juicy and adds rich flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this hen?
It is recommended to serve this dish with sautéed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 14g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
This dish is low in carbohydrates, containing only 3g per serving.
Do I need to pop the tab on the can?
Yes, if you are using a can with a pull tab, make sure to pop it before inserting it into the hen.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
How much beer should I leave in the can?
The recipe suggests using a 12-ounce can, leaving some space at the top.
Can I use freshly ground pepper?
Yes, you can use freshly ground or coarse black pepper as desired.
What type of Greek seasoning is best?
Any all-purpose Greek seasoning will work; apply it liberally to taste.
What kind of pan should I use for roasting?
A broiler pan is recommended for this recipe to support the upright hen.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the description notes that you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
How should the hen be sliced?
Slice the hen as desired before serving, but take care not to spill any remaining beer from inside the bird.
What gives the hen its golden exterior?
The 400°F oven temperature combined with the spice rub helps create a crisp, golden skin.