Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start planning the perfect holiday feast. If you're tired of the same old traditional dishes, why not switch things up this year and try something new? Duck is a delicious and surprisingly easy main dish that is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we will share the best duck recipe for Christmas that will have your taste buds dancing and your loved ones asking for more.
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The star of the show is, of course, the duck itself. Look for a fresh, high-quality duck at your local grocery store or butcher. Aim for a weight of around 5-6 pounds, which should serve 4-6 people depending on portions.
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the duck. Make sure to season the duck inside and out for maximum flavor.
The sweet and tangy flavor of orange pairs perfectly with duck. You'll need one fresh orange to use in both the marinade and the sauce.
Garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor to the duck. You'll need about 4 cloves for this recipe, minced or finely chopped.
For an extra pop of flavor, add some fresh herbs to your duck. We recommend using rosemary and thyme, but feel free to use your favorites.
Before roasting the duck, it's important to marinate it first to infuse it with flavor. For our Christmas duck recipe, we will be using a simple and delicious marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the juice of 1 orange, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Place the duck in a large plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat it evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Remove the duck from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Season the duck generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also add some fresh herbs and orange slices to the cavity for extra flavor.
Roast the duck in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the duck with the pan juices every 30 minutes for a crispy and flavorful skin.
Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
While the duck is resting, make a delicious orange sauce to serve with it.
Strain the pan juices from the roasting pan and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the strained pan juices with the juice of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
Serve the roasted duck with the orange sauce on the side for a burst of flavor with every bite.
This best duck recipe for Christmas is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of tender and juicy duck with the sweet and tangy orange sauce is a match made in heaven. Give it a try this holiday season and watch as your guests rave about this delicious and unique dish.
Ingredients
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