Crispy Duck Breasts with Balsamic-Glazed Tangerines
Annabelle Breakey
Duck breasts have thick skin, so it’s best to cook them slowly over a low flame to render the fat. Here, we used that fat to make a decadent glaze studded with citrus segments.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Heat a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat until very hot. Using a paper towel, pat both sides of duck dry. Sprinkle both sides with 3/4 tsp. salt total. Lay duck in pan, skin side down. Immediately reduce heat to low.
Step 2
2
Cook duck slowly, without turning, until a lot of fat has rendered and skin is crisp, about 20 minutes; reduce temperature if skin starts getting too dark. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°.
Step 3
3
Set a cooling rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer duck to rack, skin side up. Roast until done the way you like, about 10 minutes for medium. Remove duck from oven and let rest 10 minutes.
Step 4
4
Meanwhile, pour duck fat into a measuring cup; if needed, add butter to make 1/4 cup. Return fat to pan, heating over low heat until it's warm. Whisk in vinegar and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Add tangerine segments, stirring gently to combine. Slice duck through skin into 1/2-in.-thick pieces and set on plates. Spoon tangerines with sauce over duck.
Step 5
5
*Look for high-quality balsamic vinegar with a syrupy consistency, such as Cavalli brand (about $2 2/4-oz. bottle; amazon.com).
Ingredients
2 large duck breasts (about 1 lb. each)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Butter (if needed)
1 tablespoon cask-aged balsamic vinegar*
4 tangerines, peeled and segmented
Directions
Step 1
1
Heat a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat until very hot. Using a paper towel, pat both sides of duck dry. Sprinkle both sides with 3/4 tsp. salt total. Lay duck in pan, skin side down. Immediately reduce heat to low.
Step 2
2
Cook duck slowly, without turning, until a lot of fat has rendered and skin is crisp, about 20 minutes; reduce temperature if skin starts getting too dark. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°.
Step 3
3
Set a cooling rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer duck to rack, skin side up. Roast until done the way you like, about 10 minutes for medium. Remove duck from oven and let rest 10 minutes.
Step 4
4
Meanwhile, pour duck fat into a measuring cup; if needed, add butter to make 1/4 cup. Return fat to pan, heating over low heat until it's warm. Whisk in vinegar and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Add tangerine segments, stirring gently to combine. Slice duck through skin into 1/2-in.-thick pieces and set on plates. Spoon tangerines with sauce over duck.
Step 5
5
*Look for high-quality balsamic vinegar with a syrupy consistency, such as Cavalli brand (about $2 2/4-oz. bottle; amazon.com).
Search All of Sunset's Recipes
The Latest
These Entertaining Finds Will Get You Through the Whole Holiday Season
