Crispy Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens with Lemon Wedges
Indulge in these perfectly crispy Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens, a dish that brings together tender, succulent meat with a crunchy exterior. Perfect for sharing or as a decadent meal for two, these hens are seasoned to perfection and served with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply enjoying a gourmet dinner at home, this recipe will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
2 (3/4 lb each, rinsed and patted dry)
Vegetable shortening
to taste (for deep-frying)
Oil
to taste (for deep-frying)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Lemon wedges
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by ensuring your Cornish hens are at room temperature; this will help maintain the oil temperature when frying.
2
Rinse the hens thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry inside and out with paper towels. Allow them to stand at room temperature for 1 hour to ensure even cooking.
3
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and prepare a large wire rack placed over a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet to hold the fried hens while keeping them crispy.
4
In a large stockpot, melt enough vegetable shortening to a depth of 2 to 3 inches over high heat, reaching a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Make sure not to fill the pot more than half full to prevent overflow during frying.
5
Carefully lower one Cornish hen into the hot shortening, ensuring it's fully submerged. Fry the hen for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it's golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
6
Once done, carefully remove the hen from the oil and place it on the wire rack in the oven to keep warm while you repeat the process with the second hen.
7
Season each fried Cornish game hen with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a refreshing twist.
Nutrition Information
23.5g
Fat
1g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens with Lemon Wedges.
How many servings does this dish make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are Cornish hens, vegetable shortening or oil, salt, pepper, and lemon wedges.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat does this recipe contain per serving?
This dish contains 23.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 1 gram of carbohydrates.
What weight should the Cornish hens be?
The hens should be approximately 3/4 lb each.
Why should the hens be at room temperature before frying?
Allowing them to reach room temperature helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
How long should the hens stand at room temperature?
They should stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
Should the hens be rinsed?
Yes, rinse the hens under cold water and pat them dry inside and out before cooking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the fried hens warm.
What type of fat is used for deep-frying?
Vegetable shortening or oil can be used for deep-frying.
How deep should the shortening be in the pot?
The shortening should be at a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
What is the ideal frying temperature?
The oil should reach a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
How full should the stockpot be?
The pot should not be more than half full to prevent the oil from overflowing.
How long do you fry each Cornish hen?
Each hen should be fried for about 15-20 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the hens?
The hens should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
How often should the hens be turned while frying?
Turn the hens occasionally during the frying process to ensure even browning.
How do you keep the hens crispy while frying the others?
Place the fried hens on a wire rack in the preheated oven.
What seasonings should be used after frying?
Season the hens with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
How are the hens served for extra flavor?
Serve them immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of flavor.
What is the texture of the hens?
The hens have a crunchy exterior and tender, succulent meat.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as a decadent meal perfect for hosting or a gourmet dinner at home.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is null.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
No, the fiber content for this recipe is null.
What kind of pan should the wire rack be placed over?
The wire rack should be placed over a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.
Are the hens fried simultaneously?
No, the recipe suggests frying one hen at a time and keeping the first one warm in the oven.
What categories does this food fall under?
Tags include gourmet dinner, party food, comfort food, and poultry.
Does this recipe include sodium information?
No, the sodium information is not provided in the raw data.