Classic Roasted Mallard with Orange Glaze
Mallard Duck Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
This classic roasted mallard showcases the bird's rich, gamey flavor through traditional roasting techniques and a bright orange glaze that balances the meat's richness. The scoring technique ensures crispy skin while keeping the breast meat perfectly pink and juicy.
Cultural Context
This preparation represents the pinnacle of French waterfowl cookery, tracing its lineage to medieval hunting feasts where orange was prized as an exotic luxury. The technique of pairing duck with citrus was perfected in Renaissance French kitchens, where the acid's brightness balanced the rich, fatty meat while the natural sugars caramelized to create complex glazes.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat ducks dry and score skin in crosshatch pattern, cutting through fat but not into meat.
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Seasoning: Rub ducks inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stuff cavity with orange quarters and thyme sprigs.
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Initial Roasting: Place breast-side up on rack in roasting pan. Roast 20 minutes to render fat and crisp skin.
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Glaze Preparation: Combine all glaze ingredients in saucepan. Simmer until reduced by half and syrupy, about 15 minutes.
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Temperature Reduction: Lower oven to 375°F. Continue roasting 20-25 minutes more.
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Glazing: Brush ducks with glaze every 10 minutes during final cooking phase.
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Doneness Check: Internal temperature should reach 135°F in thickest part of breast.
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Resting: Rest 10 minutes before carving to redistribute juices.
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Service: Carve and serve with remaining glaze on the side.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Scoring the skin is crucial for fat rendering and crispy results
- Don't overcook - duck breast is best served medium-rare
- Save rendered fat for cooking potatoes or other vegetables
Wine Pairing
Burgundy Pinot Noir or CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne - wines with enough structure to complement the rich duck while echoing the fruit notes in the glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 485 calories, 38g protein, 28g fat, 18g carbohydrates. Rich in protein, iron, and healthy fats.
