Happy Bird Crosses The Golden Bridge

May 20, 2023May 20, 20230 2
Happy Bird Crosses The Golden Bridge: A Chinese Ham-Stuffed Cornish Hen Dish
in Main

Prep

45 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

1 hour 35 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 1/4 lbs winter melon ( can substitute watermelon )
12 slices Chinese ham , 1/4 inch thick
2 Cornish hens , approx . 1 to 1 1/4 lbs . each
4 slices gingerroot
4 shallots , white parts
cooking oil
4 fluid ounces light soy sauce
1 ounce dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch ( mixed well with 2 tbsp . water )
10 sprigs flowering chives

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
394
Sugar
12g
Fat
15g
This dish is a traditional Chinese recipe that is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. Its name 'Happy Bird Crosses The Golden Bridge' refers to the story of a brave bird that crosses a golden bridge and brings happiness to its village. The dish is named after the bird in honor of its bravery and the happiness it brings. The combination of Chinese ham and winter melon is a classic Chinese flavor pairing that is used in many dishes. In this recipe, the Cornish hens are stuffed with the ham and melon mixture, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Instructions

1.Peel and de-seed the winter melon and slice into wedges. Cut Chinese ham into bite-sized pieces.
2.Clean the Cornish hens and marinate them with one tablespoon of light soy sauce and one tablespoon of dark soy sauce for 30 minutes.
3.In a wok or large skillet, heat some cooking oil and fry the ginger and shallots until fragrant.
4.Add the Chinese ham and fry for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the winter melon, salt, sugar, oyster sauce, and remaining soy sauces. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
5.Transfer the ham and melon mixture into a large clay pot or baking dish. Place the marinated Cornish hens on top of the mixture. Add enough chicken stock to cover 3/4 of the hens.
6.Cover the pot or dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 1/2 hour. Then, remove the lid or foil and bake for another 20 minutes, basting the hens with the sauce every 5-10 minutes.
7.In a small pot, bring the remaining cup of chicken stock to a boil. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened. Pour the sauce over the hens and garnish with flowering chives. Serve hot.

PROS

Happy Bird Crosses The Golden Bridge is a flavorful and aromatic dish.
The combination of Chinese ham and winter melon creates a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The clay pot or baking dish helps to seal in the juices of the Cornish hens, making them tender and succulent.

CONS

This dish takes some time and effort to prepare.
Some of the ingredients may be difficult to find for those who don’t have access to an Asian grocery store.

This dish may not be suitable for those who don’t consume meat or have dietary restrictions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Winter melon is a low-calorie and fiber-rich vegetable that may aid in weight loss and digestion. Chinese ham is a cured meat that is high in protein and low in fat. Cornish hens are a good source of lean protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12 and selenium. However, this dish is high in sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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