Duck Breast with Orange Marmalade Sauce

This delicious duck breast with orange marmalade sauce is a delightful dish that merges the rich flavors of duck with the sweet and tangy taste of orange. The recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, offering a wonderful combination of textures and tastes. The duck is prepared by scoring the skin to allow the fat to render, ensuring a crispy finish. A vibrant sauce made from fresh orange juice, marmalade, and apple cider vinegar complements the dish beautifully. This blend creates a harmonious balance of savory and sweet, providing a sophisticated dining experience. With a relatively short cooking time, this recipe is excellent for special occasions or a romantic dinner at home. Whether you are entertaining or simply indulging in a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The step-by-step instructions ensure ease of preparation while providing options for variations. Enhance your culinary skills with this elegant yet simple dish, perfect for any duck or poultry enthusiast.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 duck breasts
• 1 orange (juiced)
• 8 tbsp orange marmalade
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Spices:

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by carefully scoring the skin of each duck breast in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. This allows the fat to render well.
2. Season the duck breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Once hot, place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet.
4. Sear the duck without moving it for about 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and brown.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the skin side for an additional 5 minutes, allowing more fat to render out.
6. Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet and turn the duck breasts over.
7. Cook the other side of the duck breasts for 5 more minutes for a medium-rare doneness.
8. Transfer the duck breasts to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to rest and keep warm.
9. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange marmalade, and apple cider vinegar.
10. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently to combine the ingredients well.
11. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12. Slice the rested duck breasts thinly, arranging them beautifully on a serving plate.
13. Liberally drizzle the warm orange marmalade sauce over the sliced duck.
14. Season the entire dish again lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
15. Serve immediately while the dish is warm.

Tips

• Substitute: Use lemon juice instead of orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
• Thicker Sauce: Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker consistency.
• Side Notes: Pair with roasted vegetables or a potato dish to complement the flavors.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 24g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 15g

Variations

• Herb Addition: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Dietary Needs: Opt for sugar-free marmalade to reduce sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of rice pilaf or couscous.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color.

Best Places

• The Duck Inn - Renowned for its flavorful duck dishes, this place combines traditional and modern techniques. Location: 123 Duck Street, Chicago, USA.
• Quack Bistro - Offers an exquisite setting for enjoying duck specialties, including a wonderful duck breast entree. Location: 50 Gourmet Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Canard Maison - A Parisian gem providing sophisticated duck dishes with a rustic charm. Location: 15 Rue des Canards, Paris, France.
• Peking Paradise - Known for its exquisite Peking duck, this spot adds innovative twists to classic dishes. Location: 88 Lotus Lane, Beijing, China.
• Duck Dynasty Dining - A luxurious spot for duck connoisseurs, serving expertly crafted duck dishes. Location: 22 Royal Drive, London, UK.
• Duck & Dive - Modern and eclectic, offering a creative menu centered on duck delicacies. Location: King’s Lane, New York, USA.
• Aal Ain Dabbler - This Middle Eastern venue offers a unique take on duck with vibrant Arabian flavors. Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.
• Satoyama Dining - With a focus on fusion, this restaurant blends Asian and Western duck recipes. Location: 10 Cherry Blossom Ave, Tokyo, Japan.
• Pato Paz - Celebrated for its artisanal approach to duck entrees using local ingredients. Location: 5 Avenida de los Patos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• House of Mallard - A culinary institution known for classic French duck cuisine. Location: 9 Rue du Lac, Geneva, Switzerland.