Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our seared duck breast recipe, a dish that elevates the flavors of this prized ingredient to new heights. This recipe takes you on a journey of taste and texture, beginning with the perfectly seared duck breast, its crispy skin enveloping the tender and succulent meat, bursting with rich, gamey flavors. Accompanying the duck is a luscious fig sauce, a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes, made from fresh figs, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic spices. The sauce complements the duck exquisitely, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. To complete the experience, we offer a selection of delectable side dishes, including a creamy and flavorful risotto, roasted vegetables with a medley of colors and textures, and a crisp, refreshing salad. This comprehensive recipe provides you with everything you need to create an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the versatility and elegance of seared duck breast.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SEARED DUCK BREAST
Steps:
- With a sharp knife, score the fat of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern, being careful to not cut into the meat. Season the duck with salt and pepper. Warm a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat and add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place the duck breast fat-side down in the skillet to render off the fat, about 8 minutes. Once the fat has rendered out and the skin is golden brown and crisp, turn the duck breast over and add the butter, thyme and garlic. Turn up the heat to medium-high and, once the butter is foamy, begin basting the duck breast using a spoon. Continue basting until the duck breast reaches medium rare and measures 135 to 140 degrees F. on an instant-read thermometer, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes before slicing.
SUSAN'S DUCK BREAST WITH FIG AND PORT SAUCE
This recipe is a creation of mine, that came together after combining 3 different recipes. I was looking to make a new and different recipe for duck breast to surprise my husband. I combined what I thought was the best combination of ingredients and flavors, then further tweaked it after making it several times. I have finally perfected it and it now turns out superb each time. This is my husband's favorite duck recipe and he request it often. It may appear to be a bit putsy, however it actually is easy. The flavors meld perfectly together creating the most complimentary sauce for the duck breast. This is an impressive main coarse to serve guest. I like to pair it with wild rice as it goes well with the richness of the duck and sauce. It is an excellent combination and never fails to get raves from my guest.
Provided by Expat in Holland
Categories Duck Breasts
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a pan, combine beef stock and chicken stock. Bring to boil and let simmer until mixture is reduced down to 1/2 cup. Set stock reduction to the side.
- While stock is reducing on the stove,lightly score fat side of duck breast, with a sharp knife, in a diamond pattern. Sprinkle duck breasts with thyme, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper to season. Let sit, for 20minutes.
- In a hot skillet pan, heat to medium high. Add olive oil. Add duck breast, fat (skin) side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
- Turn duck over and let cook 2 minutes.
- Remove duck breast to foil lined baking pan, meat side down, and bake in oven for 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest on cutting board for at least 5minutes.
- Meanwhile in skillet, drain off most of fat. Add 2tbsp of butter to pan.
- Add shallot and cook until tender.
- Add port wine and bring to a boil. Reduce by half.
- Add 1/2 cup stock reduction and bring mixture to a boil. Simmer sauce low until reduced by 1/3 or sauce is a syrupy glaze.
- Add fig preserves. Stir until completely melted and combined into sauce.
- In a cup combine remaining 1 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp butter (beurre manie).
- Add flour mixture to sauce and stir well to combine. Bring sauce to boil, stirring, until sauce thickens. That will take only 2 minutes or so. Remove from heat.
- Cut duck breast, into 1/2 inch slices, angled, against the grain.
- On serving plates, place sauce on bottom and place several slices of duck breast on top. Drizzle just a bit more sauce over top of duck slices. Repeat on all serving plates.
- Serve immediately. Bon Appetit.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 246.1, Fat 12.9, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 24.7, Sodium 352.5, Carbohydrate 22.4, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 12.9, Protein 2.8
SAUTEED DUCK BREAST WITH FIGS AND PORT
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Remove excess fat from duck breasts. Brush breasts with oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon thyme and pepper. Cover and let stand 1 hour. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate.)
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add duck bones, chicken backs and onion and cook until brown, turning occasionally, about 12 minutes. Add both stocks. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced to 3/4 cup liquid, about 1 hour. Strain and degrease duck stock. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Season duck breasts with salt; add to skillet skin side down and cook 4 minutes. Turn and cook about 2 minutes longer for medium-rare. Transfer to heated platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Pour off fat from skillet. Add 1 tablespoon butter to skillet and melt over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add Port and figs. Increase heat and boil until liquid is reduced to glaze, scraping up any browned bits, about 4 minutes. Add duck stock and boil until syrupy, adding any juices accumulated on duck platter, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Season with salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice duck on diagonal. Arrange on plates. Spoon sauce over. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon thyme.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality duck breasts: Look for breasts that are plump and have a smooth, even surface. Avoid any breasts that are bruised or have any discoloration.
- Score the duck skin: This will help the fat render and crisp up during cooking. Use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts in the skin, about 1/4 inch apart.
- Season the duck breasts generously: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add a little bit of sugar to help caramelize the skin.
- Sear the duck breasts in a hot pan: This will help create a crispy skin and juicy interior. Sear the breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the duck breasts rest before slicing: This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.
- Make the fig sauce while the duck breasts are resting: This will give the flavors time to develop. Simply simmer the figs, sugar, and water until the figs are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the duck breasts with the fig sauce and your favorite sides: Some good options include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad.
Conclusion:
This seared duck breast with fig sauce is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The duck breasts are cooked to perfection and the fig sauce is rich and flavorful. With a little bit of effort, you can easily create this restaurant-quality dish at home.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love