Duck with Apples and Orange Liqueur Sauce
Description
This recipe is a flavorful and elegant take on duck, combining the rich taste of roasted duck with the tangy sweetness of apples and the aromatic depth of orange liqueur. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this dish brings a delicious contrast of flavors, creating a memorable meal with minimal effort. The preparation is straightforward, with variations in cooking time based on the size of your duck. This dish will easily make you fall in love with duck if it’s your first time, or give you a new go-to if you’re already a fan.
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 20 minutes (adjust based on duck weight) |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Whole duck |
| 1/2 cup | Salted butter |
| 1 cup | Cider |
| 1/2 cup | Orange liqueur |
| 1/2 cup | Heavy cream |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
| 2 | Large cooking apples, sliced |
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1689.4 kcal |
| Fat | 157.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 62.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 335.1 mg |
| Sodium | 375.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32.2 g |
| Fiber | 5.5 g |
| Sugars | 23.6 g |
| Protein | 37.9 g |
Servings
- Serves: 4 people
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your duck in a roasting pan, patting it dry with paper towels for a crispier skin. Melt all but 2 tablespoons of the butter, then pour the melted butter evenly over the duck. This helps the skin become beautifully golden and crisp as it cooks. |
| 2 | Trussing the Duck: If you have kitchen twine, truss the duck to help it cook evenly and hold its shape. This is optional but recommended for an impressive presentation. Trussing involves tying the legs together and tucking the wings under the body. |
| 3 | Roasting the Duck: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the duck for approximately 15 minutes per pound, frequently basting it with the pan juices every 15–20 minutes. This not only keeps the duck moist but infuses it with the rich flavor of the buttery juices. Check that the skin is browning evenly. |
| 4 | Preparing the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cider and orange liqueur over medium-high heat. Let it come to a boil, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly. This reduction will help intensify the flavors. |
| 5 | Adding the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low, and begin adding the heavy cream gradually to the cider and liqueur mixture, stirring continuously. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to your taste. Stir constantly and allow the sauce to cook for several more minutes until it reduces by one-third and thickens to your desired consistency. Set aside. |
| 6 | Cooking the Apples: While the duck finishes roasting, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple slices in a single layer, cooking until they become golden brown and tender, about 5–7 minutes on each side. Be sure not to overcook them; they should hold their shape while softening. |
| 7 | Resting the Duck: When the duck reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. Resting is essential to keep the juices within the meat, making each bite as succulent as possible. |
| 8 | Plating and Serving: Transfer the duck to a serving platter, arranging the golden-brown apple slices around it for a beautiful presentation. Pour the sauce into a small bowl or gravy boat, and serve it alongside the duck, allowing each guest to drizzle the sauce over their portion. Enjoy this rich, elegant meal with family and friends! |
This Duck with Apples and Orange Liqueur Sauce is a wonderful combination of savory and sweet flavors, creating a memorable centerpiece dish perfect for any special gathering.
