Lime Garlic-grilled Cornish Hens

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Serves: 4

Ingredients

 * 2 Cornish game hens, each about 1¼ lbs
 * ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
 * 3 garlic cloves, minced
 * 1½ tbsp low sodium soy sauce
 * 2 tsp orange zest
 * ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

 * 1) Cut the wing tips off the hens.
 * 2) With poultry shears, cut down along both sides of the hen's backbone to remove it and discard.
 * 3) Open the hen up and cut it in half down the center of the breast.
 * 4) Repeat with the other hen.
 * 5) In a measuring cup, stir together the lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
 * 6) Put the hens in a resealable plastic freezer bag; pour in the marinade.
 * 7) Seal the bag and squish it so the marinade coats evenly.
 * 8) Place the bag in a bowl in case of leaks.
 * 9) Marinate the hens in the refrigerator at least 2 hrs or overnight.
 * 10) Heat a barbecue grill to medium.
 * 11) Oil the grill.
 * 12) Remove the hens from the marinade.
 * 13) Drain the marinade into a small saucepan, bring to a full boil, and boil for 2 mins.
 * 14) Place the hens skin side down on the grill.
 * 15) Baste with some marinade.
 * 16) Grill until lightly browned on the underside, about 10 minutes.
 * 17) Use a metal spatula to loosen the hens and turn.
 * 18) Continue grilling, basting occasionally, and turning and moving as necessary, until no longer pink in the thickest part, 15 to 20 minutes longer.
 * 19) Discard any remaining marinade.
 * 20) Serve the hens, removing the skin before eating.

Note
If you like spicy, use ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or add a minced chili to the marinade. For deepest flavor, marinate the hens overnight.