Duck Breast with Cherry-Port Reduction
Mallard Duck Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
These perfectly seared duck breasts feature crispy skin and tender, pink meat, elevated by a sophisticated cherry-port reduction that balances sweet and tart flavors. The restaurant-quality technique creates an elegant main course perfect for special occasions.
Cultural Context
This sophisticated preparation marries French reduction techniques with American cherry traditions, creating a dish that epitomizes fine dining elegance. The technique showcases the duck breast's premium quality while the cherry-port reduction provides sweet-tart balance that enhances rather than masks the meat's natural complexity.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
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Breast Preparation: Score skin in crosshatch pattern. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let come to room temperature, 30 minutes.
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Reduction Start: Combine cherries, port, and shallots in saucepan. Simmer until port reduces by half, about 12 minutes.
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Pan Searing: Heat oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place breasts skin-side down without oil. Cook 6-8 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
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Flipping: Flip breasts and cook 2-3 minutes more. Transfer skillet to 400°F oven.
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Oven Finish: Roast 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
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Resting: Remove from oven and rest breasts 5 minutes under foil tent.
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Sauce Completion: Add balsamic vinegar and honey to cherry mixture. Simmer 3 minutes, then whisk in cold butter and thyme.
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Slicing: Slice breasts diagonally against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
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Plating: Fan sliced duck on plates and drizzle with cherry-port reduction.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Start cooking skin-side down to render fat properly
- The reduction should coat the back of a spoon when finished
- Let the duck rest - this ensures juicy, evenly cooked meat
Wine Pairing
Pinot Noir from Oregon or Burgundy - wines with enough acidity to complement the cherries while supporting the rich duck meat.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 425 calories, 35g protein, 24g fat, 16g carbohydrates. Elegant fine dining with concentrated flavors.
