10+ Duck Recipes for Deliciously Easy Meals

Duck is a flavorful and versatile meat that can elevate any meal. If you are preparing a special dinner or simply exploring new flavors, duck recipes offer unique tastes that will impress your guests. From roasting to confit, there are many methods to enjoy this delicious bird.

In this article, you will find a variety of duck recipes that cater to different tastes and occasions. Get ready to discover how to bring out the best in duck, making it a star on your dining table. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.

1) Roast Duck with Honey-Balsamic Glaze

Roasting a duck with a honey-balsamic glaze gives it a delicious flavor. It’s a great dish for special occasions or family dinners.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry. After that, season the cavity and skin generously with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix honey and balsamic vinegar. Then, brush this mixture all over the duck. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze while it cooks.

Place the duck in the oven and roast for about 1 hour. Make sure to baste it with the glaze every 20 minutes to keep it moist and tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the duck and pat it dry.
3. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
4. Mix honey and balsamic vinegar in a bowl.
5. Brush the glaze over the duck.
6. Roast the duck for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.

2) Spice-Rubbed Roasted Duck

Roasting a duck with a spice rub adds delicious flavor and creates crispy skin. Start by choosing your favorite spices. A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and five-spice powder works great.

For seasoning, rub the spice mixture all over the duck, including inside the cavity. This helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the duck in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). This ensures your duck is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the spices in a bowl.
3. Rub the spice mixture over the duck and inside the cavity.
4. Place the duck in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

3) Classic Slow-Roasted Duck

Slow-roasted duck is a delicious dish that offers a crispy skin with tender meat inside. You can use either store-bought or wild duck for this recipe.

Start by seasoning the duck well and stuffing it with your favorite aromatics, like citrus or herbs.

You will need to roast it at a low temperature for several hours. This helps the fat render out, giving you that sought-after crispy skin. Aim for a temperature of about 325°F (163°C).

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 orange, halved (for stuffing)
• Fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the duck with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. Stuff the duck with the halved orange and herbs.
4. Place the duck on a roasting rack, breast side up.
5. Roast for about 2-3 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden.
6. Let it rest before carving and serving.

4) Easy Duck Confit in Two Hours

Making duck confit at home can be simple and quick. With the right steps, you can enjoy this tasty dish in just two hours.

Start by seasoning your duck legs with salt and herbs. Let them sit for a while to absorb the flavors.

Next, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the seasoned duck legs in a baking dish. Roast them for about two hours until they become tender and the skin turns crispy.

This method gives you delicious duck confit that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 duck legs
• Salt
• Fresh thyme
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Season duck legs with salt, thyme, and black pepper.
2. Let the duck legs marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
4. Place the duck legs in a baking dish.
5. Roast the duck legs for 2 hours.
6. Enjoy your duck confit!

5) Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Orange Sauce

Pan-seared duck breast with orange sauce is a delicious meal that’s easier to make than you might think. It features crispy skin and tender meat, balanced perfectly by a sweet and tangy sauce.

To start, score the skin of the duck breast. This allows the fat to render and makes the skin crispy. Place the duck breast skin-side down in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook slowly for about 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden.

Once the skin is crisp, flip the duck and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove the duck and let it rest. In the same pan, make the orange sauce with fresh orange juice, chicken broth, and a splash of orange liqueur for flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 duck breast halves
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)
• Juice of 1 orange

Cooking Instructions

1. Score the skin of the duck breasts.
2. Place duck in a cold skillet, skin-side down.
3. Heat on medium for 8-10 minutes until golden.
4. Flip and cook for 5-7 more minutes.
5. Remove duck, then make the sauce in the same pan.
6. Add orange juice, chicken broth, and liqueur, stir, and simmer.

6) Duck with Honey, Soy, and Ginger Sauce

This recipe gives duck a tasty twist with honey, soy sauce, and ginger. The flavors blend well, making the duck juicy and savory.

Start by seasoning duck breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic. This will be your marinade.

Sear the duck in a hot pan over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side. When the skin is crispy, pour in the marinade and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.

Serve your duck with a drizzle of sauce and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 duck breast halves
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season the duck with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Sear the duck in a hot pan for 6-8 minutes per side.
4. Add the marinade and simmer for a few minutes.
5. Serve with extra sauce on top.

7) Easy Roast Duck for Beginners

Roasting a duck is easier than you might think. This recipe is perfect for those just starting out. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal.

First, make sure your duck is thawed and ready. Season the skin with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, place the duck in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast for about 1 hour or until the skin is crispy and golden.

Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will keep the meat juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (5-6 pounds)
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional spices (like paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw and prepare the duck.
2. Season the skin with salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place duck in roasting pan, breast side up.
5. Roast for 1 hour until the skin is crispy.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

8) Cantonese Duck Noodle Soup

Cantonese Duck Noodle Soup is a warm and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can make this soup using leftover roast duck for a quick meal. The combination of duck broth, noodles, and fresh ingredients creates a comforting bowl of goodness.

To start, gather some key ingredients like Chinese wheat noodles, duck, ginger, and mustard greens. The broth is made by simmering duck carcass with aromatics for rich flavors.

Once your broth is ready, cook the noodles in a separate pot. Then, combine everything in a bowl and enjoy a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Chinese wheat or egg noodles
• 4 cups duck broth
• 1 duck carcass
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 inch ginger, sliced
• Mustard greens, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the duck carcass, onion, ginger, and enough water to cover.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1-2 hours.
3. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
4. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
5. Add the cooked noodles and mustard greens to the broth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

9) Thai Duck Curry Delight

Experience the rich flavors of Thai Duck Curry Delight. This dish combines tender duck with a creamy coconut red curry sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. You can add lychees or pineapple for an extra touch of flavor.

To start, you will need duck breast, which gives the curry a delicious texture. The fragrant Thai red curry paste will bring your dish to life. Don’t forget to include fresh herbs for added aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 duck breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup lychees or pineapple (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in the curry paste and cook briefly.
5. Pour in coconut milk and add the duck.
6. Simmer until the duck is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Optional: Add lychees or pineapple.
8. Serve with rice and garnish with fresh basil.

10) Duck Mole Creation

Creating Duck Mole is a delicious way to enjoy a comforting dish.

First, choose a good quality duck. Duck breast or legs work best for this recipe.

For the mole, you will need a variety of ingredients. Common choices include chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. This combination gives mole its rich and deep flavor.

Start by preparing the mole sauce. Toast your spices and chilies in a pan until fragrant. Then blend them with your choice of broth for a smooth texture.

Now, cook the duck. You can roast it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once the duck is ready, serve it drizzled with the mole sauce. Enjoy this delightful meal with rice or tortillas.

Ingredients

• Duck breast or legs
• Chili peppers
• Spices (cumin, coriander)
• Dark chocolate
• Chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast spices and chili peppers in a pan.
2. Then blend the spices with chicken broth.
3. Roast the duck at 375°F (190°C) until it’s cooked.
4. Serve the duck with mole sauce.