Recipes

Pat’s Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens

2 Mins read
0
20
0
Share
Scroll to recipe

Introduction

Pat’s Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens is an indulgent and festive dish that brings warmth to any family gathering or special occasion. This recipe takes the rich flavors of classic British cuisine and introduces them into a modern, delectable deep-fry style presentation. Each ingredient and step in this process contributes to an irresistible taste experience, making it not just a meal but a culinary event that everyone will eagerly anticipate.

Tips for This Recipe

For the best results with Pat’s Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens, ensure all ingredients are fresh and at room temperature before beginning. Use a deep fryer set to 350°F (175°C) as this temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness without overcooking the meat. Always be mindful of kitchen safety when working with hot oil, using appropriate equipment like food-safe gloves and oven mitts.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The marriage of deep frying with classic Cornish game hens offers a unique twist on a traditional dish. Pat’s recipe caters to those who appreciate bold flavors and crispy textures, making it an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts. Not only does this recipe satisfy your palate, but the process of preparing and sharing these hens can create lasting memories with friends and family.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon crushed red-pepper flakes
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
3 quarts buttermilk
1 onion, cut into wedges
6 1 1/2-pound Cornish game hens
Peanut oil for frying
2 cups all-purpose flour

Advised Equipment

1. Deep Fryer (Countertop or Portable) – Ideal for precise temperature control and safe deep frying, crucial for this recipe’s success.
2. Dutch Oven with Lid – Useful for breading the chicken, allowing it to cook evenly before assembly.
3. Measuring Cups & Spoons Set – Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
4. Deep Fryer Thermometer – Critical for maintaining safe and optimal oil temperatures.
5. Kitchen Timers or Stopwatches – Help in managing cooking times accurately, especially with multiple items frying simultaneously.
6. Oven-Safe Baking Sheet (for oven finish) – Useful post-frying for browning the chicken if desired.
7. Kitchen Gloves – Ensure safety while handling hot equipment and ingredients.
8. Cutting Board & Knife Set – Needed for preparing the game hens, albeit not directly involved in frying.
9. Oven Mitts or Heat-Resistant Hand Tools – Essential for safe interaction with hot cookware throughout and after the process.

History of the Recipe

The roots of deep-frying Cornish game hens are steeped in British culinary tradition, where fried foods often symbolize celebration and festivity. This dish elevates that classic notion by incorporating a modern twist with precise cooking techniques borrowed from various cultures known for their love of deep-fried delicacies. The rich history behind this recipe showcases the evolution of culinary arts, as chefs around the world adapt and innovate traditional practices to create new dishes that delight diverse palates while honoring their origins.

Fun Facts About This Recipe

Did you know? The Cornish game hen itself is a smaller cousin of the turkey, yet packed with flavor and charm, making it an excellent choice for deep frying due to its size and texture. When cooked correctly at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C), Pat’s Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens result in a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside, truly an artful representation of gastronomy.

Share
Pat's Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens

Pat's Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens

amanda

Equipment

  • Deep Fryer (Countertop or Portable) - Offers precise temperature control and safety features, ideal for deep frying.

  • Dutch Oven with Lid - Suitable for breading the chicken and possibly cooking parts separately before assembly.

  • Measuring Cups & Spoons Set - Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour or spices used in dredging.

  • Deep Fryer Thermometer - Critical for monitoring oil temperature to ensure food safety and optimal cooking results.

  • Kitchen Timers or Stopwatches - Help manage cooking times precisely, especially important when frying multiple items at once.

  • Oven-Safe Baking Sheet (for oven finish) - Can be used after frying to brown the chicken if desired.

  • Food Saver (Airtight Sealing Equipment) - Useful for portion control and preserving cooked dishes, though not directly in recipe preparation.

  • Non-Stick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan - For preheating oil to the right temperature before adding chicken pieces if using a stovetop setup. (Note: This is more of an alternative method than what's listed.)

  • Kitchen Gloves - Important for safety while handling hot equipment and ingredients.

  • Cutting Board & Knife Set - Necessary for preparing the chicken by cutting it into parts, though not directly used in frying.

  • Oven Mitts or Heat-Resistant Hand Tools - Essential for safely handling hot dishes and cookware during and after the frying process.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon crushed red-pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

  • 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning

  • 3 quarts buttermilk

  • 1 onion, cut into wedges

  • 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs

  • Six 1 1/2-pound Cornish game hens

  • Peanut oil, for frying

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1

Instruction 1

Whisk together the first six ingredients in a small bowl. Set half of this mixture aside.
2

Instruction 2

Divide the remaining seasoning mixture between two large mixing bowls, and pour the buttermilk evenly between the two bowls, whisking to combine. Put half of the onion and thyme in each bowl. Place three game hens in each mixing bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap, and leave in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight (the longer the better; allow the seasonings and flavors to permeate the game hens).
3

Instruction 3

Heat the peanut oil to 375 degrees F in a large Dutch oven or deep-fryer. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F, and cover two heavy-duty sheet trays with wire racks. Remove the game hens from the buttermilk mixture while the oil is heating.
4

Instruction 4

Whisk together the flour and the remaining seasoning mixture in a large casserole. Working with one game hen at a time, put one game hen in the flour and toss to coat, then shake off the excess. Slip the coated game hens, in batches according to the size of your fryer, into the hot oil, and fry for 13 minutes, until beautifully golden brown. Place each fried hen on the wire-rack-fitted sheet tray, and hold in the warm oven. Repeat with remaining hens.
5

Instruction 5

Baked Cornish Game Hens Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cover two heavy-duty rimmed sheet trays with wire racks, and spray with nonstick spray.
6

Instruction 6

Drain the hens from the buttermilk marinade, and pat dry. Place the hens on the sheet trays, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
7

Instruction 7

Put the pan in the oven, and roast for 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear.
8

Instruction 8

One of the things I think people really don't know about me is that I was frying food before I was grilling! (Nowadays my love of fried food comes second only to my love of grilling.) Fried food in the South is like pizza in Chicago: if you grew up in Memphis, you grew up with it. My grandfather used to fry whole rabbits, and my grandmother used to fry chicken for breakfast, served up with biscuits!
9

Instruction 9

1 CHOOSE YOUR OIL Neutral oils like peanut, safflower, canola, and vegetable oil all have a high "smoke point," so they work well at high frying temperatures. We often like to use peanut oil, because it adds a very subtle peanut flavor; the flavor of canola oil is less pronounced.
10

Instruction 10

2 PICK YOUR POT If you don't have an electric fryer, select a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for deep-frying. You'll usually need at least 3 or 4 inches of oil in the bottom of the pan, but more if you're frying something larger, like Cornish game hens or chicken.
11

Instruction 11

3 FILL IT UP Be careful not to overfill your pot! If you don't leave room for the items you're frying, the oil may spill over the sides, causing a mess or, even worse, a fire. To check how much oil you need, you can first do a test run with water. Fill the pot up with water, then slip in the food you're going to try. Wherever the water rises to, that's how high your oil is going to go—so mark that place on the pot, and don't fill it too high!
0
20
0
Share
You may also like
Recipes

hot-buttered-rum

1 Mins read
Introduction Discover the cozy warmth and delightful flavors of a timeless classic. The Hot Buttered Rum recipe invites you to indulge in…
Recipes

Fish Vermicelli with Fresh Dill and Pineapple Sauce

1 Mins read
Introduction Dive into the delightful world of flavors with “Fish Vermicelli with Fresh Dill and Pineapple Sauce”, a unique culinary experience that…
Recipes

Endive and Chicory Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

2 Mins read
Introduction This Endive and Chicory Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of the earthy, slightly bitter flavors of Belgian…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *