How to make Tandoor style Cornish Hen

Mastering the Art of Cooking Cornish Hen in a Restaurant Tandoor Oven

There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of a perfectly cooked Cornish hen. With its tender meat, juicy flavor, and crispy char, it’s a favorite for many. While there are several ways to prepare this delicious bird, using a traditional tandoori approach takes it to a whole new level. And, the experience is elevated even further when you cook it in a restaurant tandoor oven, where both high temperatures and smoky heat infuse the meat with that authentic tandoori flavor. Therefore, this guide will help you perfect the art of cooking a tandoori Cornish hen, even if you’re new to this cooking style.

What Makes Cornish Hen Special?

Cornish hen, although a type of chicken, is smaller and more tender compared to regular broilers. These hens typically weigh around one to two pounds each, which makes them ideal for single servings. Because of their small size, they cook faster and absorb flavors more effectively, making them a versatile choice for various cooking methods. So, whether you’re cooking one in a skillet, an oven, or a restaurant tandoor oven, you can always expect delicious results in almost no time.

Why Use a Restaurant Tandoor Oven for Cornish Hen?

Using a restaurant tandoor oven provides a unique cooking experience that’s hard to replicate with other kitchen appliances. The oven combines intense heat with clay walls to evenly cook food, resulting in a crispy outer layer and juicy, tender meat inside. Furthermore, cooking in a tandoor gives food a smoky flavor, which can greatly enhance dishes like tandoori chicken, naan, and, of course, tandoori Cornish hen.

While these ovens are perfect for restaurant settings, you can also find smaller versions designed for home use. Therefore, if you’re serious about getting that authentic tandoori flavor at home, consider investing in a commercial tandoor for sale—it could be a fantastic choice for anyone who loves Indian cuisine.

 

Preparing Your Cornish Hen for the Tandoor

Proper preparation of the Cornish hen is crucial before you start cooking to achieve the best results. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to get your bird ready for the restaurant tandoor oven.

1. • Start with Fresh or Thawed Hen: First and foremost, make sure you’re using a fresh Cornish hen or a thawed one if it was frozen. Be sure to pat the hen dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this helps the marinade adhere better.

1. • Cut and Prepare the Hen: When cooking in a restaurant tandoor oven, cutting the hen in half from the back is recommended since it allows even cooking on all sides. Leaving the skin on will also add flavor and moisture retention during cooking.

1. • Marinate for Flavor: A well-crafted marinade is key to a tasty Cornish hen. Since these birds are small, it’s easy to overpower their natural flavor with a strong marinade. For a classic tandoori taste, try mixing yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and traditional spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Additionally, to achieve the signature red tandoori look, consider adding a small pinch of red food coloring.

1. • Let the Marinade Work Its Magic: Allowing the Cornish hen to marinate for about 5 to 6 hours is essential. This time frame permits the flavors to penetrate the meat without making it mushy. For even better absorption, lightly poke the hen with a fork before marinating; this small step allows the flavors to seep in and ensures even cooking.

• Getting the Restaurant Tandoor Oven Ready: Preheating your restaurant tandoor oven is a vital step for optimal results. It’s best to set the temperature to around 900°F (480°C) about an hour before you start cooking. This ensures the oven is hot enough to sear the meat quickly, achieving that desirable charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

If you’re using a gas tandoor, be sure to adjust the flame to maintain a consistent temperature. For clay ovens, you can choose to use either charcoal or wood to create a more traditional experience. A properly heated restaurant tandoor oven is essential for achieving the authentic tandoori texture and flavor.

 

Cooking the Cornish Hen in the Restaurant Tandoor Oven

Now that your hen is prepared and your restaurant tandoor oven is preheated, it’s finally time to start cooking.

1. • Skewer the Hen: Using metal skewers, carefully insert the Cornish hen pieces through the thickest part of the meat. Ensuring that the pieces are secure and evenly spaced is important, as metal skewers help conduct heat, aiding in cooking the meat from the inside out.

1. • Cook for 15 Minutes: Place the skewers in the restaurant tandoor oven, ensuring that the hen doesn’t touch the sides. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, and remember to turn the skewers halfway through. The intense heat will quickly char the outer layer, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

1. • Check for Doneness: Using a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the hen is fully cooked. If you prefer a slightly more charred texture, let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.

1. • Rest the Meat Before Serving: Once the hen is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making the meat even more flavorful.

 

Why the Marinade Matters

Marinating isn’t just about adding flavor; it also helps tenderize the meat. In the case of tandoori Cornish hen, the yogurt in the marinade plays a crucial role. The acidity in the yogurt helps break down the muscle fibers in the chicken, making it even more tender.

A good marinade also balances spices with the natural flavor of the Cornish hen. Thus, always taste your marinade before using it. If it seems too strong, dilute it with some extra yogurt or a bit of water. This simple step ensures the marinade enhances the meat’s taste without overwhelming it.

 

The Best Tandoor for Cooking Cornish Hen

Choosing the right tandoor is essential for getting that authentic flavor. While any tandoor can technically cook a Cornish hen, some are better suited than others.

 

Traditional Clay Tandoor

Clay ovens have been used for centuries in Indian cuisine. They provide a unique, smoky flavor that enhances the taste of tandoori dishes. Therefore, a clay restaurant tandoor oven is ideal if you want a traditional cooking experience.

 

Gas Tandoor

Gas tandoors are easy to control and require less maintenance than clay ovens. Consequently, they are perfect for those who prefer modern conveniences without compromising on taste.

 

Commercial Tandoor for Sale

If you’re setting up a restaurant or even want to bring the restaurant experience home, finding a commercial tandoor for sale can be a great investment. Tandoor Morni, for instance, offers high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-use tandoors that deliver excellent results.

 

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Tandoori Cornish Hen

To get the most out of your restaurant tandoor oven, follow these simple tips:

1. • Keep the Skewers Away from the Walls: This prevents the meat from sticking to the sides of the oven and helps with even cooking.

1. • Rotate the Skewers Often: Turning the skewers every 5 minutes ensures the hen cooks evenly.

1. • Don’t Overcrowd the Tandoor: If you’re cooking more than one hen, make sure there’s enough space between them for proper air circulation.

1. • Brush with Butter: Halfway through the cooking process, brush the hen with a bit of melted butter or ghee. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

 

The History of Tandoori Cooking

Tandoori cooking has deep roots in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The technique involves cooking food at high temperatures in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor. Thus, it’s a method dating back thousands of years, and it remains popular because of its ability to cook food quickly while enhancing its natural flavors.

 

Why Cornish Hen is Perfect for a Restaurant Tandoor Oven

The small size of a Cornish hen makes it ideal for tandoori cooking. Its tender meat cooks evenly in the high heat of a restaurant tandoor oven, resulting in a juicy texture that’s hard to achieve with larger cuts of meat.

For restaurant owners, adding tandoori Cornish hen to the menu can be a crowd-pleaser. Therefore, it’s a dish that stands out because of its unique flavor and presentation.

 

Exploring Other Dishes in a Restaurant Tandoor Oven

A restaurant tandoor oven is incredibly versatile. While Cornish hen is a great choice, there are many other dishes you can prepare to delight your guests. Here are some classic tandoori options to consider.

 

Bringing the Restaurant Tandoor Oven Experience to Your Home

You don’t have to be a professional chef to enjoy the benefits of a restaurant tandoor oven. Therefore, investing in a commercial tandoor for sale designed for home use is a fantastic way to elevate your cooking skills.

 

How to Choose the Right Restaurant Tandoor Oven for Your Needs

When searching for a restaurant tandoor oven, consider your specific cooking needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

 

Conclusion: Elevate Your Cooking with a Restaurant Tandoor Oven

Whether you’re a home cook looking to try something new or a restaurant owner wanting to offer authentic Indian cuisine, investing in a commercial tandoor for sale is a great decision. It brings a touch of tradition and an explosion of flavors into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the full tandoori experience. So, heat up that restaurant tandoor oven, gather your spices, and start cooking some amazing tandoori dishes that everyone will love!