The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens
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Golden and savory, these deep-fried Cornish game hens are an easy way to impress at your next dinner. Follow this recipe for perfectly cooked birds.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
ingredients
2 (1.5 pound size) Cornish game hens
shortening or oil for deep-frying
salt and black pepper
lemon wedges, for serving
directions
Rinse the game hens inside and out. Pat completely dry with paper toweling (inside and out). Let the game hens stand at room temperature for 1 hour. You can cover them with paper toweling but do not cover with anything airtight as you want them to dry out as much as possible. Important: The game hens MUST be at room temperature and dry before frying or the oil may boil over.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.
Heat 3-inches of shortening or oil in a large Dutch oven to 375 degrees F.
Using long-handled tongs, place one game hen in the hot oil. Fry the hen, turning it occasionally, until it is golden brown. This will take about 10-12 minutes. The thickest part of the game hen thigh should register 180 degrees F on a meat thermometer when fully cooked.
Carefully remove the game hen from the oil with the tongs. Place the cooked game hen on the rack on the baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep warm. Repeat the deep-frying process with the remaining game hen(s).
Take the last hen out of the oil and let it rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack over paper toweling.
Season the hens with salt and pepper. Serve the hens whole, or cut them in half using a cleaver or poultry shears. Serve with lemon wedges.
recipe tips
Make sure to pat the game hens completely dry before frying.
Make sure to keep a consistent oil temperature of 375 degrees F for even cooking and so the hens do not turn out greasy from absorbing too much oil.
Allow the fried game hens to drain on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Consider marinating the game hens before frying for added flavor. Just make sure to dry them very well as directed.
Try different seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or herbs.
To check if the game hens are fully cooked, pierce the thickest part with a knife and make sure the juices run clear.
common recipe questions
What are Cornish game hens?
Cornish game hens are small chickens (Cornish chickens), typically weighing around 1.5 pounds each, known for their tender and flavorful meat.
Why rinse the game hens before cooking?
Rinsing the game hens helps remove any potential bacteria or debris from the surface of the meat.
Why should the game hens be dried and at room temperature before frying?
Drying the game hens and allowing them to come to room temperature makes sure that they will fry evenly and prevents the hot oil from boiling over due to excess moisture or a vast temperature difference.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
How do I know when the game hens are done frying?
The thickest part of the game hen thigh should register 180 degrees F on a meat thermometer when fully cooked.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep-frying?
While an air fryer can be used to cook game hens, the texture and flavor may differ from deep-frying. Follow the air fryer's instructions for cooking poultry.
How should I season the game hens?
Season the game hens with salt and pepper immediately after they come out of the oil. You can add additional seasonings as desired such as Italian herbs, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, etc.
Can I use this recipe for larger chickens?
This recipe is specifically designed for Cornish game hens due to their smaller size, which allows for quicker and more even deep-frying.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried game hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy skin.
Can I freeze the fried game hens?
While fried foods typically do not freeze well, you can freeze leftover game hen meat for use in casseroles or soups.
tools needed
Large Dutch Oven: For deep frying the Cornish game hens to achieve a golden brown exterior. Make sure the Dutch oven is large enough to accommodate frying the hens comfortably.
Paper Towels: For patting the game hens dry before frying and draining excess oil after frying.
Wire Rack and Rimmed Baking Sheet: To keep the fried game hens warm in the oven while the others are being cooked.
Long-Handled Tongs: For carefully placing the hens in the hot oil, turning them as needed, and removing them from the oil once cooked.
Cooking Thermometer: To make sure the oil reaches the right temperature for frying the hens and to check the internal temperature of the cooked hens to make sure they are fully cooked.
Cleaver or Poultry Shears: For cutting the game hens in half after frying, if desired.
what goes with it?
Dipping sauce trio: a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo sauce to add a pop of flavor to the crispy game hen.
Homemade coleslaw: creamy and crunchy coleslaw is the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the deep-fried game hens.
Bourbon glazed carrots: the sweetness of bourbon glazed carrots will complement the savory game hens beautifully.
Garlicky mashed potatoes: creamy mashed potatoes with a garlicky twist will make a perfect pairing with the game hens.
Fancy dinner rolls: buttery, flaky dinner rolls are a classic side dish.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: The buttery notes of a Chardonnay can complement the richness of the deep-fried Cornish game hens. Look for one with a touch of oak to enhance the savory flavors in the dish.
Pinot Grigio: If you prefer a lighter wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio can cut through the fried exterior of the game hens while providing a refreshing contrast. Look for a dry one for the best pairing.
Cabernet Sauvignon: For those who like a bolder red wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon with its dark fruit flavors can hold its own against the deep-fried hens.
Other Alcohol Pairings
IPA: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can balance out the richness of the deep-fried hens, while the carbonation can help cut through the fat. Look for a citrusy IPA.
Whiskey Sour: The sweetness of a Whiskey Sour can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the hens, while the acidity from the lemon juice can help cleanse the palate between bites.
Gin and Tonic: The botanicals in gin can complement the herbs used in the dish. Add a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sweet Tea: A classic sweet tea can be a refreshing beverage to pair with deep-fried Cornish game hens. The sweetness of the tea can help balance out the salty and savory flavors of the dish.
Apple Juice: The natural sweetness of apple juice can enhance the flavors of the hens while providing a fruity contrast. Serve chilled to add a crisp element to the meal.
Orange Sparkling Water: For those looking for a bubbly alternative, an orange sparkling water can add a hint of citrus without overwhelming the dish.
nutrition data
831 calories, 58 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrates, 71 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
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