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Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Honey-Soy Glaze Recipe

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4.4 from 71 reviews

A succulent pan-seared duck breast recipe featuring a flavorful honey-soy glaze infused with garlic, ginger, and chili. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Duck Breast

  • 4 duck breasts (approximately 150g each)
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp crushed ginger
  • 1 red chili, de-seeded and finely chopped

Glaze

  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Duck Breasts: Score the skin of each duck breast in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps render the fat and crisps the skin.
  2. Pan-Sear the Duck: Heat a cold pan over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down into the pan without adding oil, as the duck fat will render out. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the duck and cook the flesh side for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust time slightly for preferred doneness.
  3. Remove Duck and Set Aside: Transfer the cooked duck breasts to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while preparing the glaze. Resting allows juices to redistribute and keeps meat tender.
  4. Make the Honey-Soy Glaze: Drain excess fat from the pan, then add crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and chopped red chili to the pan. Sauté briefly for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
  5. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce by half, thickening into a glaze over 5-7 minutes.
  6. Finish the Glaze: Stir in lime juice to add a fresh, tangy balance to the glaze. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve: Slice the duck breasts thinly against the grain and drizzle generously with the honey-soy glaze. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure to score the skin carefully to avoid cutting into the meat, which helps in perfect crisping.
  • Resting the duck after cooking is essential to keep the meat juicy and tender.
  • You can adjust honey quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complement the rich flavors.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion