Seared Duck with Broccoli-Pea Purée | Tried and True Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to sear a duck? ›

Note: If working with a skinless duck, or a duck with virtually no fat under the skin to render, pre-heat a drizzle of rendered duck fat or neutral oil (such as avocado or grapeseed) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the meat hits about 128°F - 130°F.

During busy service, I'd take searing duck breast over poaching eggs, hands down. With just a few simple steps, you can impress friends and charm lovers with fantastic duck breast, any night of the week.

How to cook duck. Roast (whole duck: 2 ¼ hours for ducks weighing 1.75-2 kg, 2 ¾ hours for ducks weighing 2.5-3 kg; breasts, 30 mins). Dry fry, grill or barbecue (3-4 mins on each side). Stir fry (cubes or strips, 5-7 mins).

For the perfect roasted duck Ina Garten recommends boiling the whole bird in a broth of your choice for 45 minutes. This will help cook the bird evenly, then pat dry and move to a 500°F (260°C) oven to crisp up that skin and until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 135–140°F (57–60°C).

Like any other part of a domesticated duck, the bird breast meat including other parts such as duck thigh and wing tips is suggested to be cooked at 165°F. Despite this, this part of the duck is often served medium-rare to medium duck breast cooked meat to retain its flavors and texture.

Pekin Duck (or Long Island Duck)

Pekin duck is the most popular duck to eat. Pekin duck meat is known for its mild, satisfying flavor that easily adapts to a number of cuisines. It has lighter flesh and milder flavor than either Moulard or Muscovy duck, and is considered perfect for whole roasting.

As ducks are waterfowl, they have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. When you look at a duck breast, you can see the fat under the skin, and though duck fat is delicious for use as a cooking fat, it is squidgy and chewy when it is in tissue form.

Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, five spice powder, dry mustard and some salt and pepper in a bowl. Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck so it has a 1/4-inch diamond pattern. Rub the spice mixture all over the duck.

Do you flip duck when cooking? ›

To ensure even browning, turn duck twice during roasting. Use paper towels to lift bird from pan.

All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. A whole duck or goose must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the bird. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

Place the steaks 3 to 5 inches from the flame to sear the outside and seal in the juices. Sear the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. After the steaks have been seared on both sides, remove from heat, and brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil. This will help form the crust that adds the touch of perfection.

Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), on medium until hot. Add the seasoned duck, skin side down, and cook 9 to 11 minutes, or until browned and the skin is crispy.

Cook for 8 minutes without moving it, or until the fat is well rendered and the skin is golden and crispy. Turn the duck over and cook for 4 minutes on the other side, then remove to a plate to rest, leaving the pan of duck fat on the heat.

Cook for 5-6 mins until the skin is crisp and golden then flip the breast and continue to cook for another 8-10 mins for medium-rare (rosy in the middle), or longer if you want it cooked more. Let the duck rest for a 5 mins before slicing it to serve.