Cornish Hens with Shiitake and Watercress Recipe

Name: Cornish Hens with Shiitake and Watercress
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, large caps quartered; 6 cilantro sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 4 dried sliced porcini mushrooms; 2 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 scallion, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; Two 1 1/2-pound Cornish hens, halved; 2 bunches watercress, large stems removed (about 3/4 pound); 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

Servings: persons

1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, large caps quartered
6 cilantro sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
4 dried sliced porcini mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Two 1 1/2-pound Cornish hens, halved
2 bunches watercress, large stems removed (about 3/4 pound)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1
Pour 1 1/2 inches of water into a large, wide pot.
2
Make 4 foil balls 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
3
Set a large cake rack on the foil balls in the pot.
4
Bring the water to a boil.
5
Tear off two 18-inch-long sheets of extra-heavy-duty foil.
6
Mound half of the shiitake caps, cilantro sprigs, porcini, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, scallion and peppercorns in the center of each piece of foil.
7
Set 2 hen halves on top, fold up the foil edges and seal.
8
Carefully set the packages on the cake rack over the boiling water, cover and steam over moderate heat for 40 minutes.
9
Transfer the packages to a large rimmed platter.
10
Spread the watercress on a large heatproof plate.
11
Set on the cake rack, cover and steam for 4 minutes.
12
Open the packages carefully.
13
Remove the skin from the hens and transfer them to warmed shallow bowls.
14
Stir 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of the sesame oil into each package, then spoon the mushrooms and sauce into the bowls.
15
Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and serve.

160

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, large caps quartered, 6 cilantro sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 4 dried sliced porcini mushrooms, 2 garlic cloves, smashed, and more.

Yes, Cornish Hens with Shiitake and Watercress falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cornish Hens with Shiitake and Watercress

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions