Name: Crispy Roast Duck with Orange Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 unit Whole Duck; 2 tbsp Kosher Salt; 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 0.5 cup Orange Juice (Fresh); 1 tbsp Orange Zest; 0.25 cup Honey; 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar; 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (Minced)

"This elegant French-inspired masterpiece features a whole roasted duck with incredibly crispy skin and a tangy, aromatic honey-orange reduction. The bright acidity of the citrus perfectly balances the rich, savory flavor of the duck meat for a restaurant-quality centerpiece."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
1 unit 2.2 kg	Whole Duck
2 tbsp 36 g	Kosher Salt
1 tsp 2 g	Freshly Ground Black Pepper
0.5 cup 120 ml	Orange Juice (Fresh)
1 tbsp 6 g	Orange Zest
0.25 cup 85 g	Honey
2 tbsp 30 ml	Balsamic Vinegar
3 cloves 9 g	Garlic Cloves (Minced)

2 Instructions

Remove the duck from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Remove giblets, trim excess fat from the neck and cavity, and pat the skin completely dry with paper towels.

Using a sharp skewer or the tip of a knife, prick the duck skin all over at an angle, being careful to only pierce the skin and fat, not the meat. This allows the fat to render out.

Season the duck generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the duck breast-side up on a rack set inside a roasting pan.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the duck for 60 minutes. Carefully flip the duck to breast-side down and roast for another 45 minutes.

While the duck roasts, prepare the glaze by simmering orange juice, zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy.

Flip the duck back to breast-side up. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush a thick layer of the orange glaze over the duck.

Roast for another 15-20 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 5 minutes, until the skin is deep mahogany and crispy (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Let the duck rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

·
For the crispiest skin, leave the duck uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours before roasting to dry out the skin.
·
Save the rendered duck fat in a glass jar; it is perfect for making the best roasted potatoes.
·
Don't skip the pricking process; it is essential for rendering the thick layer of fat under the duck skin.
·
If the glaze starts to burn, tent the duck loosely with foil for the final few minutes.

? Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the duck is finished cooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C) for food safety, though many prefer it slightly lower for more tender meat.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Yes, but fresh-squeezed juice with the zest provides a much deeper flavor profile and better acidity to cut through the fat.

Should I cover the duck while roasting?

No, do not cover the duck. Covering it will steam the skin and prevent it from becoming crispy.

Can I make this recipe with duck breasts instead of a whole duck?

Yes, but you will need to reduce the cook time significantly. Sear the breasts in a cold pan first to render fat, then finish in the oven with the glaze.

→ Keep Cooking

See All Poultry

How To Roast Chicken

Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

20 min

Next Recipe

Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs

This slow cooker ratatouille transforms humble garden vegetables into a silky, aromatic masterpiece with minimal effort. Slowly simmered eggplant, zucchini, and peppers meld together with a fragrant blend of garlic and fresh basil for a healthy French classic that tastes even better the next day.

Cook Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs