Grilled Vietnamese Five-Spice Cornish Game Hens

Preparation : This aromatic grilled game hen can be easily served Western style with rice, coleslaw or a green salad. [But it would be better with Thai cucumber salad or Vietnamese carrot salad.] 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 rack and grill over medium coals for 15 minutes. Turn and grill 15 minutes longer or until they are thoroughly cooked. Serve with Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.