Savory Crispy Balsamic Glazed Duck Breasts
Indulge in the exquisite flavor of Savory Crispy Balsamic Glazed Duck Breasts, a dish that beautifully showcases the rich, succulent nature of duck without overpowering its delightful taste. The scoring of the duck skin allows the fat to render perfectly, giving you that irresistible crispy texture everyone craves. Quick to prepare with minimal marination time, this recipe makes for a special meal that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make. Elevate any occasion with this dish that pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables or a creamy potato puree, ensuring your culinary skills shine through.
4
Servings
525
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duck Breast Halves
4 (Skin-on)
Balsamic Vinegar
5 tablespoons (For marinating)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Extra Balsamic Vinegar
for drizzling (Optional)
Instructions
1
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the fat of the duck breasts in a diamond pattern with diagonal slashes spaced about 1/2 inch apart, ensuring not to cut into the flesh.
2
In a shallow dish, pour the balsamic vinegar and place the duck breasts skin-side up. Allow them to marinate, uncovered, for 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, bringing them back to room temperature for the last 20 minutes before cooking.
3
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated duck breasts into the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the skin is nice and crispy, covering the skillet to minimize splatter.
4
After 5 minutes, carefully pour off the rendered fat from the pan and wipe any excess grease from the skillet to keep the cooking environment tidy.
5
Flip the duck breasts over, cooking for an additional 5 minutes for rare, 8 minutes for medium rare, or up to 10 minutes for well done. Cooking times may vary slightly based on the size of the duck breasts.
6
Once cooked to your liking, remove the duck breasts from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board. Slice the breasts thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness.
7
Serve the duck immediately, drizzled with extra balsamic vinegar if desired, and accompany with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
3.8g
Carbs
30g
Protein
0g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crispy Balsamic Glazed Duck Breasts?
It is an elegant dish that showcases rich, succulent duck with a crispy skin texture achieved through scoring and a balsamic glaze.
How many servings does this duck recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should the duck skin be prepared?
You should score the fat in a diamond pattern with diagonal slashes spaced about 1/2 inch apart using a sharp knife.
What is a critical tip when scoring the duck fat?
Ensure you do not cut into the meat or flesh of the duck when making the slashes.
How long does the duck need to marinate?
The duck should marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What should I do if I marinate the duck in the fridge?
Bring the duck breasts back to room temperature for the last 20 minutes before you begin cooking.
How is the duck positioned during the marinating process?
The duck breasts should be placed skin-side up in a shallow dish with the balsamic vinegar.
What kind of pan is best for cooking the duck?
A non-stick skillet is recommended for this recipe.
What heat level should be used for the skillet?
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the duck.
How do I start the cooking process in the pan?
Place the marinated duck breasts into the hot skillet skin-side down.
How long do I cook the duck skin to get it crispy?
Cook the skin side for about 5 minutes or until it becomes nice and crispy.
Why should I cover the skillet during the first part of cooking?
Covering the skillet helps to minimize oil and fat splatter while the skin renders.
What should I do with the fat that renders out?
After the first 5 minutes, carefully pour off the rendered fat and wipe any excess grease from the skillet.
How long should I cook the duck for a rare finish?
After flipping the duck, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
How long does it take to reach medium rare?
Cook for 8 minutes after flipping the breasts for a medium-rare result.
What is the cooking time for a well-done duck breast?
Cook for up to 10 minutes after flipping the meat.
What might cause variations in the cooking time?
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the duck breasts.
What is the necessary step after taking the duck out of the pan?
You must let the duck breasts rest on a cutting board before slicing.
How should the duck be sliced for serving?
Slice the breasts thinly against the grain to enhance the tenderness of the meat.
Can I add more balsamic vinegar at the end?
Yes, you can drizzle extra balsamic vinegar over the duck immediately before serving if desired.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables or a creamy potato puree.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
There are 525 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 30g of protein.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 45g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 3.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 ingredients: duck breasts, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and extra balsamic for drizzling.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dish perfect for special occasions.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
Despite being elegant, it is described as surprisingly easy to make with minimal marination time.