Apricot-Glazed Duck Legs with Spicy Kick
Indulge in the rich flavors of Apricot-Glazed Duck Legs, inspired by a beloved TV food show, 'Cooking Live'. This dish takes succulent duck legs and combines them with a sweet-and-spicy apricot glaze that perfectly enhances the natural richness of the meat. A simmering process ensures tender, flavorful duck, while a high-heat roast develops a beautiful crispy skin. This recipe is adaptable for a whole duck; simply adjust your cooking times accordingly. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner, this dish will impress both your taste buds and your guests.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duck legs
4 (Excess skin removed)
Duck stock or chicken stock
2 cups
Water
2 cups (Add more if needed to cover duck)
Rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup
Apricot preserves
1/2 cup
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Birds eye chile
1
Fresh ground pepper mix
1 teaspoon (Red, black, and white pepper)
Green peppercorns
1 tablespoon (Rinsed)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming excess skin from the duck legs for a leaner meal.
2
In a large stockpot, add the duck fat along with duck stock and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Using a fork, prick the duck legs all over to allow for better flavor absorption and moisture retention. Once the pot is boiling, carefully add the duck legs.
4
Ensure the legs are fully submerged in the liquid, adding more water if necessary. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to tenderize the duck.
5
After simmering, remove the duck legs from the pot and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to dry the skin, which will help achieve a crispy finish.
6
While the duck legs are resting, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
7
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the rice wine vinegar, apricot preserves, soy sauce, birds eye chile, mixed ground pepper, and green peppercorns. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
8
Once the sauce is ready, separate it into two equal portions.
9
Place the duck legs on a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, skin-side up. Brush generously with one portion of the sauce.
10
Roast the duck legs for 30 minutes, occasionally basting with the sauce for added flavor and moisture.
11
Once the duck is beautifully caramelized and crispy, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
12.5
Carbs
18.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Apricot-Glazed Duck Legs recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 4 duck legs with excess skin removed.
How do I prepare the duck legs for simmering?
Trim the excess skin for a leaner meal and prick the legs all over with a fork to allow for better flavor absorption.
What liquids are used to simmer the duck legs?
The duck legs are simmered in 2 cups of duck or chicken stock and 2 cups of water.
How long should the duck legs simmer?
The duck legs should simmer for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.
Why do the duck legs need to rest after simmering?
They rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to dry the skin, which helps achieve a crispy finish when roasted.
What is the roasting temperature for this duck recipe?
The oven should be preheated and set to 450°F (230°C).
What ingredients make up the spicy apricot glaze?
The glaze consists of rice wine vinegar, apricot preserves, soy sauce, a birds eye chile, a mixed ground pepper blend, and green peppercorns.
Is there a specific way to handle the green peppercorns?
Yes, the green peppercorns should be rinsed before being added to the sauce.
How is the glaze sauce prepared?
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until well combined and heated through.
How should I divide the sauce for cooking and serving?
The sauce should be separated into two equal portions: one for brushing during roasting and one for dipping.
How do I set up the roasting pan?
Place the duck legs skin-side up on a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
How long does the duck roast in the oven?
The duck legs should roast for 30 minutes at 450°F.
Should I baste the duck while it is in the oven?
Yes, brush them generously with sauce before roasting and baste occasionally for added flavor and moisture.
Can I use a whole duck for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is adaptable for a whole duck, but you must adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What is the spice level of this dish?
The dish has a spicy kick provided by a birds eye chile and a mixture of red, black, and white ground peppers.
How many calories are in a serving of this duck?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Apricot-Glazed Duck Legs?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein does this recipe provide?
The recipe provides 18.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the TV food show 'Cooking Live'.
How should the duck be served?
Serve immediately after roasting with the remaining portion of the sauce on the side for dipping.
What type of vinegar is best for the glaze?
Rice wine vinegar is specified for the sweet-and-spicy apricot glaze.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients required, including seasonings.
What should I do if the duck legs are not fully submerged in the pot?
Add more water to the stockpot until the legs are fully covered.
What is the texture of the finished duck skin?
The duck skin should be beautifully caramelized and crispy.
What kind of pepper mix is used?
The recipe calls for a fresh ground pepper mix containing red, black, and white pepper.
Is soy sauce included in the glaze?
Yes, one tablespoon of soy sauce is used to add savory depth to the apricot glaze.
What type of fruit preserves are used?
Apricot preserves are used to provide the sweet base of the glaze.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or special dinners to impress guests.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe tags include duck, roast, apricot, dinner, glazed, spicy, and comfort food.