One of the most popular dishes to serve during the holiday season is roasted Christmas duck. This succulent and flavorful dish is a perfect alternative to the traditional Christmas turkey, and is sure to impress your guests. While it may seem daunting to prepare, with the right recipe and techniques, you can easily create a delicious roasted Christmas duck that will be the star of your holiday feast.
Roast Duck Stuffed with Farro, Figs, and Hazelnuts
Main Ingredients: Dry Red Wine, Granulated Sugar, Bay Leaf, Fresh Thyme
If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional roast chicken, try this recipe for roast duck stuffed with farro, figs, and hazelnuts. The combination of savory and sweet flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Roasted Duck with Chinese Steamed Buns
Main Ingredients: Duck, Pepper, Kosher Salt, Ginger, Garlic Bulb, Green
This recipe for roasted duck with Chinese steamed buns is a delicious fusion of flavors. The rich and juicy duck pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy buns, making for a mouthwatering meal.
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The Blood Orange Duck That Will Win Christmas
Main Ingredients: Grapefruit, Blood Orange Juice, Blood Orange, Soy
Impress your guests with this show-stopping blood orange duck that will steal the spotlight at your Christmas dinner. The tangy and sweet flavors of the blood orange glaze perfectly complement the rich and tender duck meat.
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Christmas Roast Duck With Cranberry-Orange Glaze
Main Ingredients: Duck, Onion, Lemon, Rosemary, Salt, Sweet Paprika
Take your holiday dinner to the next level with this recipe for Christmas roast duck with cranberry-orange glaze. The cranberry and orange flavors add a festive touch to the succulent and flavorful duck.
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Maple Roasted Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Pecan Halves, Dried
This side dish of maple roasted sprouts and sweet potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to any roast chicken, including beer can chicken. The hint of sweetness from the maple syrup balances out the savory flavors of the dish.
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Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Roast Duck with Port Gravy
Main Ingredients: Duck, Fresh Rosemary, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper, Orange
If you're a fan of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, you'll love this Christmas roast duck recipe with port gravy. The rich and flavorful gravy is the perfect finishing touch to the tender and juicy duck.
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Roast Duck with Cranberry Orange Glaze
Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Honey, Duck, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This recipe for roast duck with cranberry orange glaze is a classic and crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange pairs perfectly with the succulent and flavorful duck.
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Roasted Duck Marinated In Mulled Wine
Main Ingredients: Dry Red Wine, Orange, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Star
For a unique and festive twist on roast duck, try marinating it in mulled wine. The warm and aromatic spices will infuse the duck with a delicious flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Salt, Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion
If you're not a fan of chicken, you can still enjoy a delicious beer can-inspired roast with this recipe for oven roasted turkey. The beer can helps to keep the turkey juicy and tender while infusing it with delicious flavors.
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Roast Duck Breast with Black Truffle Cream Sauce
Main Ingredients: Duck Breast, Salt, Pepper, Butter, Heavy Cream, Milk
Elevate your roast duck game with this recipe for roast duck breast with black truffle cream sauce. The indulgent and decadent sauce takes the duck to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Whole Roasted Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Salt, Pepper, Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds
If you're feeling ambitious, try this recipe for a whole roasted duck. While it may take a bit more time and effort, the end result is well worth it. Plus, you'll have plenty of leftovers for sandwiches and salads.
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Slow Roasted Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Kosher Salt, Lemon, Sage
For a more hands-off approach to roast duck, try this recipe for slow roasted duck. The low and slow cooking method results in tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
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Roasted Braised Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Rock Sugar, Chinese
This recipe for roasted braised duck is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. The braising process helps to infuse the duck with a rich and flavorful broth.
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Roasted Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Mayonnaise, Ground Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic
For a classic and simple roast duck recipe, try this one for roasted duck. It's a great option for those who want to try making a roast duck for the first time.
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Duck with Orange Sauce
Main Ingredients: Duck, Salt, Pepper, Sauce, Brown Sugar, Butter, Grated
Another classic flavor pairing for duck is orange, and this recipe for duck with orange sauce is a delicious example. The tangy and sweet sauce perfectly complements the rich and flavorful duck meat.
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Turducken With Corn Bread Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onions, Chopped Celery, Bread, Corn Bread
If you're feeling adventurous, try this recipe for turducken with corn bread stuffing. This dish is a combination of a chicken, duck, and turkey – a true feast for the senses.
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Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage, Smoked Bacon, and...
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sage Leaves, Freshly Ground Black
This recipe for maple-roasted turkey with sage, smoked bacon, and cranberry stuffing is a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional roast turkey. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness while the sage and bacon add savory notes.
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Christmas Roast Duck with Apple Cider Drizzle (Easy)
Main Ingredients: Duck, Onion, Water, Garlic, Garlic Powder, Onion
For an easy and delicious Christmas dinner, try this recipe for roast duck with apple cider drizzle. The sweet and tangy drizzle is the perfect finishing touch to the succulent and flavorful duck.
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Hoisin Roasted Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Sauce, Red
Hoisin sauce is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and it adds a delicious flavor to this recipe for hoisin roasted duck. The duck is marinated in hoisin sauce and then roasted to perfection.
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Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck, Salt, Pepper, Oranges, Onion, Honey, Potato
Last but not least, here is a classic and simple recipe for roast duck. Perfect for beginners or those who want to enjoy the delicious flavors of roast duck without any fuss.
Choosing the Perfect Duck
Size Matters
When it comes to choosing the perfect duck for your Christmas feast, size matters. A whole duck typically weighs around 4-5 pounds, which is enough to serve 4-6 people. However, if you have a larger crowd or want to have leftovers, you may opt for a bigger duck or multiple smaller ducks.
Freshness is Key
When purchasing your duck, it is important to choose a fresh and high-quality bird. Look for a plump and evenly colored duck with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid ducks that have a strong odor or are discolored, as these are signs of spoilage.
Free-Range or Farm-Raised?
There is some debate over whether to use free-range or farm-raised ducks for roasting. Free-range ducks are generally considered to have a richer and more intense flavor, as they have had a more varied diet and exercise. However, farm-raised ducks are generally more readily available and can still produce a delicious and tender roasted duck.
Preparing the Duck
Remove Excess Fat
Before cooking, it is important to remove any excess fat from the duck. This will prevent it from becoming too greasy and will allow for a crispier skin. Simply trim off any visible fat around the neck and cavity of the duck.
Score the Skin
Scoring the skin of the duck will allow the fat to render out during cooking, resulting in a crispy and flavorful skin. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to pierce the meat.
Seasoning is Key
To really elevate the flavor of your roasted Christmas duck, be sure to season it well. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic will do the trick, or you can get more creative with a spice rub or herb-infused butter.
Cooking the Duck
Roasting Method
The most common method for cooking a Christmas duck is to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Basting for Moisture
To keep your duck moist and flavorful, baste it with its own juices or a glaze every 30 minutes while it cooks. This will also help to create a beautiful golden brown color on the skin.
Let it Rest
Once the duck is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender meat.
Serving and Enjoying
Carving the Duck
Carving a roasted duck may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. Start by cutting off the legs and wings, then carefully slice the breast meat. Serve on a platter with the crispy skin on top for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing with Side Dishes
Roasted Christmas duck pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, and cranberry sauce. These dishes will complement the rich and savory flavors of the duck.
In conclusion, a perfectly roasted Christmas duck is a delicious and impressive addition to any holiday feast. With the right ingredients, preparation, and cooking techniques, you can easily create a mouth-watering dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. So why not switch things up this year and give your traditional turkey a break with a succulent and flavorful roasted duck? Your taste buds will thank you.
Roast Duck Stuffed with Farro, Figs, and Hazelnuts
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