Duck with Oranges Recipe

This succulent duck dish with oranges is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner. The combination of savory duck and zesty oranges creates a beautiful balance of flavors. The aroma of thyme and rosemary perfectly complements the sweetness of orange juice, leading to a deliciously savory experience. This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that is both elegant and rich in flavor. It's a dish that highlights the richness of duck meat while providing refreshing citrus notes. Ideal for a weekend treat, this duck recipe is sure to impress your guests. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises excellent results. Incorporate this dish into your dinner repertoire to enjoy a touch of gourmet in your home. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a delightful dining experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 large duck
2 oranges
3 carrots
2 onions
3 cloves garlic

Spices and Seasonings

5 peppercorns
6 allspice berries
5 juniper berries
2 sprigs thyme
1 sprig rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Salt
Sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Oven and Tray: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is large enough to wrap around the duck.
Prepare the Onion Base: Slice the onions into half-rings and spread them evenly on the foil. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice berries, juniper berries, rosemary, mustard seeds, and crushed coriander seeds. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and sugar over the mixture.
Juice the Oranges: Squeeze half of one orange over the onion and spice blend. This adds a citrusy base layer to flavor the duck during roasting.
Prepare the Duck: Pour the remaining orange juice over the duck, making sure to rub it all over the skin. Massage crushed garlic and vegetable oil into the duck's surface. Season generously with salt and ground pepper.
Stuff the Duck: Inside the duck cavity, place sliced fresh onions, a few peppercorns, and a bit of salt. This will infuse the duck with flavor from the inside as it cooks.
Place on Tray: Position the duck on top of the onion-spice mixture. Put a couple of thyme sprigs over the duck and squeeze half an orange between its legs for extra flavor.
Add Carrots: Arrange sliced carrots around the duck for roasting.
Wrap and Roast: If the duck is too large for the foil to cover, place an additional piece over the top and press the edges together tightly. Roast in the preheated oven until the duck is tender, approximately 1.5 hours.
Remove Foil for Browning: Once the duck is tender, remove the foil or roll it back to leave the duck exposed. Return it to the oven on the grill setting to brown the skin for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of crispness.
Final Touch: Once nicely browned, remove the duck from the oven and drizzle with fresh orange juice. Cover with foil again and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Bon Appétit!

Tips

Substitutions: Use lemon instead of orange for a more tangy flavor.
Seasoning: Adjust the amount of spices according to taste preference.
Juicier Duck: Letting the duck rest covered after roasting helps keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 850 per serving
Protein: 48g
Fat: 67g
Carbohydrates: 17g

Variations

Substitute oranges with grapefruits for a unique flavor twist.
Use chicken instead of duck if preferred or for a lighter version of the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
A green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly.

Best Places

The Duck and Orange - A gourmet restaurant known for its exquisite duck dishes. Location: 123 Delish Lane, New York, USA.
Citrus and Spice - Famous for its creative use of spices and fresh produce. Location: 456 Flavor Street, London, UK.
Savory Duck Bistro - Offers a vibrant menu with some delightful duck specialties. Location: 789 Tasty Avenue, Paris, France.
Gourmet Haven - A restaurant that focuses on high-quality ingredients and precision. Location: 12 Gourmet Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
The Quacking Orange - Known for its novel takes on classic duck recipes. Location: 34 Culinary Court, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Duck Delight - Offers a fusion of classic and modern duck dishes. Location: 56 Fusion Road, Tokyo, Japan.
Citrus Elegance - A restaurant featuring fresh and healthy duck recipes. Location: 91 Fresh Way, Barcelona, Spain.
The Orange Feather - Known for its aromatic herbs and perfectly cooked poultry. Location: 23 Aroma Street, Rome, Italy.
Duck Passion - Famed for unforgettable flavors and exquisite presentations. Location: 50 Passion Place, Cape Town, South Africa.
Herb and Orange - Distinctive for its rich use of aromatic spices and herbs. Location: 60 Spice Market, Istanbul, Turkey.