Succulent Stuffed Roast Duck with Balsamic Cherry Sauce
Description
This exquisite Succulent Stuffed Roast Duck with Balsamic Cherry Sauce is a perfect dish to serve at any special occasion. The duck roasts up beautifully, developing a crisp and golden-brown skin while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. The stuffing, made with wholesome cooked brown rice, aromatic fresh sage, and the richness of sweet butter, complements the duck perfectly. The addition of sweet pecans and savory onions in the stuffing provides a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. The Balsamic Cherry Sauce, with its tangy, slightly sweet profile, pairs seamlessly with the duck, offering a luxurious, indulgent experience with every bite.
Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations, this roasted duck will impress your guests and make your holiday meal unforgettable. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a grand feast or a special Sunday dinner, the combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Recipe Category
- Whole Duck
Keywords
Duck, Poultry, Meat, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Duck | 1 whole duck (about 5-6 lbs) |
| Salt | 4 1/2 teaspoons |
| Cooked Brown Rice | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 large, finely chopped |
| Fresh Sage | 7-8 fresh leaves, chopped |
| Sweet Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Pecans | 3/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cherries | 1 can (15 ounces), pitted |
| Red Wine | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3566.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 302 g |
| Saturated Fat | 102.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 563.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1029.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 101.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g |
| Sugars | 39 g |
| Protein | 87.3 g |
Servings and Yield
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 1 whole stuffed duck
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). This temperature ensures the duck will roast to perfection, becoming golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Once done, remove the pan from the heat.
In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the sautéed onions. Add the salt, fresh chopped sage, and chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you’d like, add a little extra salt or even a pinch of garlic pepper for added flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Duck
Remove the bag of giblets and neck bone from the cavity of the duck. Set these aside in the refrigerator for another use or discard them as desired.
Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp skin, as any moisture on the surface can prevent the skin from browning properly.
Step 4: Stuff the Duck
Stuff the duck with the prepared brown rice mixture. You can use your hands to gently pack the stuffing into the cavity, making sure it is well-filled. Once the cavity is packed, sew the opening closed using kitchen twine, or secure it with a few round toothpicks. This will help hold the stuffing inside while the duck roasts.
Step 5: Roast the Duck
Place the stuffed duck breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Sprinkle the entire surface of the duck, both top and bottom, with salt and garlic pepper. The salt will help draw out excess moisture and ensure a crispy, flavorful skin.
As ducks contain a significant amount of natural fat, no basting is necessary. Roast the duck in the preheated oven at 375ºF for about 22 minutes per pound. For a 6-pound duck, this will take approximately 2 1/4 hours. If you’re unsure whether the duck is done, you can use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and the internal temperature should read 180ºF when fully cooked.
Step 6: Let the Duck Rest
Once the duck is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each slice remains juicy and tender when carved.
Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Sauce
While the duck is resting, it’s time to prepare the Balsamic Cherry Sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the canned cherries (including their juice), honey, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. Stir the ingredients together, then heat over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by about half. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Transfer the sauce into a serving touraine or small serving bowl. The rich, tangy, and sweet flavors of the balsamic cherry sauce will complement the rich, savory duck beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, carve the rested duck into portions. Arrange the slices on plates and place the serving touraine of cherry sauce on the table. Guests can spoon as much of the sauce as they like over their duck for a burst of rich flavor.
Tips for Success
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Selecting the Duck: Look for a fresh, high-quality duck. It should feel firm to the touch and have a pleasant, fresh smell. If you’re unsure, consider asking your butcher for advice on the best duck available.
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Stuffing Variations: Feel free to customize the stuffing according to your taste. You could add other ingredients like diced apples, cranberries, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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Serving Suggestions: This roast duck pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The balsamic cherry sauce also complements a variety of sides, especially those with earthy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Succulent Stuffed Roast Duck with Balsamic Cherry Sauce is a show-stopping dish that will elevate any holiday meal. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful stuffing create the perfect balance of textures, while the sweet and tangy cherry sauce adds a decadent finishing touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a gourmet meal, this duck recipe is guaranteed to impress.
