Braised Duck with Orange Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (around 2 kg / 4.5 lbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 240ml (1 cup) fresh orange juice
- 120ml (1/2 cup) chicken stock
- 60ml (1/4 cup) Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 50g (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) orange zest
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Pat the duck dry with paper towels and season it generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature while prepping the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Duck
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the duck, breast side down, and sear until the skin is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the duck and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer the seared duck to a roasting pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent. Stir in the fresh orange juice, chicken stock, brown sugar, orange zest, and slices of orange. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the Grand Marnier and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Braise the Duck
Pour the prepared orange sauce over the duck in the roasting pan. Add the thyme sprigs on top. Cover the roasting pan with foil and braise in the preheated oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the duck is fully cooked and tender, with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Remove the duck from the pan and let it rest. Pour the sauce back into the skillet, removing the orange slices and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil and whisk in the butter to thicken and add richness to the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Carve the duck into serving pieces and drizzle the orange sauce over generously. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as sautéed greens or roasted potatoes for a complete, decadent meal.
Conclusion
You have successfully crafted a stunning Braised Duck with Orange Sauce, promising a sophisticated flavor that marries both sweetness and savory notes beautifully. This dish not only elevates your dining table but is also a testament to the joys of home cooking. Share this delightful meal with family and friends, and savor the compliments that are sure to follow. Enjoy every bite of this lush dish and revel in your culinary accomplishment!
