Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Grilled Duck Breast with Prickly Pear BBQ Glaze?
It is a culinary dish inspired by Chef Kirk Brooks that features boneless duck breast with a sweet and tangy glaze made from prickly pear jelly and spices, perfect for summer grilling.
How many duck breasts does this recipe require?
The recipe requires 6 boneless duck breasts, ideally 5-6 ounces each.
How do you make the Prickly Pear BBQ Glaze?
Combine chili sauce, ketchup, prickly pear jelly, honey, liquid smoke, and a variety of spices in a saucepan and simmer for one hour.
How long should the BBQ sauce simmer?
The sauce should be brought to a low simmer over medium heat and cooked for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Does the BBQ sauce need to be chilled before use?
Yes, after cooking, let it cool at room temperature then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.
How much sauce should be reserved for basting?
You should reserve 1 cup of the sauce for basting the duck while it grills.
How long should the duck marinate?
The duck should marinate for a total of 60 minutes: 30 minutes on one side, then flip and marinate for another 30 minutes.
Should the marinade be reused after soaking the raw duck?
No, you must discard the used marinade after removing the duck.
What grill temperature is best for this recipe?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the duck from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates generously before placing the duck on the heat.
Which side of the duck breast should be grilled first?
Place the duck breasts on the grill skin-side down first to allow the skin to crisp.
How long do I grill the skin-side of the duck?
Grill the skin-side for 7 minutes.
How long do I grill the second side of the duck breast?
After flipping, grill the duck for an additional 3 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled duck?
The duck should reach an internal temperature of 155°F.
Can I finish cooking the duck in the oven?
Yes, if necessary, you can transfer the duck to a preheated oven at 350°F until it reaches the desired temperature.
How long should the duck rest after cooking?
Let the duck breasts rest for 2 minutes before slicing.
How should the duck be sliced for serving?
Slice the duck against the grain for maximum tenderness and fan the slices out on the plate.
What side dishes are recommended with this duck?
It is recommended to serve the duck with cilantro garlic potato puree and zesty green chile black beans.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with fresh chopped flat leaf parsley and sliced habanero peppers for a spicy kick.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 600 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this grilled duck dish?
The dish contains 30g of fat.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
The recipe provides 22g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 53g of carbohydrates per serving.
What specific spices are used in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce uses chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper, paprika, and granulated garlic.
What kind of oil is used for the grill?
Vegetable oil is recommended for greasing the grill grates.
What ingredient provides the sweetness in the glaze?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of honey and 1 cup of prickly pear jelly.
What provides the 'smoky' flavor in the recipe?
The smoky flavor is achieved by adding 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed in total.
Is this a good recipe for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a standout dish for gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor summer grilling.
What regional style of food is this recipe associated with?
The recipe is described as transporting your taste buds to the sunny Southwest.