Vietnam - BBQ Five-Spice Cornish Game Hens

BBQ Five-Spice Cornish Game Hens

Ingredients

-       4 Cornish game hens (14 ounces -each)

-       4 Garlic cloves

-       2 Shallots, or 3 green onions, -white part only

-       1 1/2 tb Sugar

-       1/2 ts Salt

-       1/4 ts Black pepper

-       1/2 ts Five spice powder

-       1 1/2 tb Vietnamese fish sauce -(nouc mam)

-       1 1/2 tb Light soy sauce

-       1 1/2 tb Dry sherry

Directions

This aromatic barbecued game hen can be easily served West- ern style with rice, cole slaw or a green salad. [But it would be better with Thai cucumber salad or Vietnamese carrot salad. Mmmm... S.C.]

Halve the hens through the breast. Flatten with the palm of your hand.

-       In a mortar or food processor, pound or mince garlic, shallots and sugar.

-       Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.

-       Pour mixture over hens; marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

-       Set hens, skin-side down, on grill and barbecue over medium coals for 15 minutes.

-       Turn and barbecue 15 minutes longer or until they are thoroughly cooked.

-       Serve with Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.