This recipe for roasted duck with orange rosemary sauce is a great choice for a special meal. Slow roasting allows the fat to render slowly, keeping the meat tender and juicy while the skin turns crisp and golden.
1tablespoonfinely chopped fresh rosemary(or less to taste - see notes)
2teaspoonsDijon-style mustard
1teaspoonbalsamic vinegar
1tablespoonbutter
Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
Thoroughly coat a roasting pan and rack with nonstick spray.
Cut 4 slices from the center of the orange for garnish and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut the remainder of the orange into wedges and set aside.
Prepare the duck:
Remove the neck, giblets, liver and heart from the cavity of the duck and reserve for another use or discard. Trim away any flaps of excess skin from around the cavity and tail area. Rinse the duck in cool water and pat dry with paper towels inside and out.
Season the duck's cavity with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stuff with the orange wedges and rosemary sprigs. Bend the wing tips under the bird and tie the legs together with cotton twine. Place the duck, breast side up on the prepared roasting rack.TIP: If you're able, prep the duck ahead of time and refrigerate uncovered overnight. This will help to dry the skin, making for a crispier end result.
Before roasting, set the duck aside for 1 hour to allow it to come to room temperature (do not cover).
Roast the duck:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Using the tip of a sharp knife, prick the skin of the duck all over (1/4-inch spacing), being careful not to pierce all the way through to the meat. Rub kosher salt and pepper all over the duck, top and bottom, then place it in the oven and roast for 30 minutes.
Remove the duck from the oven, turn it breast side down on the rack (see notes), rotate the roasting pan and continue roasting.
Repeat this process every 30 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the duck's thigh registers 165°F. Total cooking time should be about 2-1/2 hours.
Once cooked, tilt the duck to drain the fat and juices that have accumulated in the cavity into the roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Make the orange sauce:
While the duck rests, prepare the sauce. Combine the orange juice, rosemary and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan and bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Cook, uncovered, until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 6 to 8 minutes.
Remove from the heat, add the vinegar, butter and orange zest and stir until the butter has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Carve and serve:
To serve, transfer the carved duck to a serving platter and garnish with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary. Drizzle with sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
ABOUT THE ROSEMARY: Fresh rosemary is a bold flavor, so feel free to cut back to 1-1/2 or 2 teaspoons if desired. Your orange sauce will still be delicious.
Expert Cooking Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your roast duck will turn out tender and juicy with crispy, golden skin:KEEP AN EYE ON THE BROWNING: Most ovens have some hot spots, so if you find that you’re getting too much browning on some areas of the skin, shield those areas with foil.USE TONGS TO TURN THE DUCK: The easiest way to flip your duck over is to get a sturdy pair of tongs and insert them into the cavity to pick the duck up and transfer it to a plate. Flip it over on the plate, then use the tongs again to put it back on the roasting rack.COAT THE ROASTING RACK TO PREVENT STICKING: Coat your racks very thoroughly with nonstick spray to make turning the duck over as easy as possible. If you can, get someone to help you when you flip the duck and have them re-coat the rack each time. You don’t want to leave any of that delicious, crispy skin on the rack!ROTATE THE ROASTING PAN: Each time you flip the duck over, rotate the roasting pan in the oven. This is a good practice for all types of roasting as it helps for even browning.