Description
This Roast Duck recipe features a whole Pekin duck roasted to perfection, delivering juicy meat and crispy skin. Glazed with a flavorful honey-balsamic mixture, this dish offers a beautiful roasted appearance and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal as a main course for special occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
Ingredients
Scale
Duck and Seasoning
- 6 lb whole Pekin duck
- Salt, to taste
Glaze
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 lemon (small or medium), chopped
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 lemon, freshly squeezed juice
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Duck: Remove any giblets from the cavity of the duck. Rinse the duck under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Prick the skin all over with a fork or skewer to help release the fat during roasting, being careful not to pierce the meat.
- Season the Duck: Generously season the inside and outside of the duck with salt. Stuff the cavity with the chopped lemon and some of the chopped garlic for added flavor.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the remaining chopped garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roast the Duck: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the duck breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast the duck slowly for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Baste the duck every 30 minutes with the honey-balsamic glaze to develop a beautiful, sticky glaze and deepen the flavor.
- Rest the Duck: Remove the duck from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute and ensure moist meat.
- Serve: Carve the duck and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the tender, juicy meat paired with the sweet and tangy glaze.
Notes
- This recipe includes detailed step-by-step photos to guide you through the roasting process.
- The slow roasting method renders the fat and crisps the skin perfectly.
- The honey-balsamic glaze adds a beautiful shine and a great flavor contrast.
- Perfect for festive dinners and holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 477 kcal
- Sugar: 3.8 g
- Sodium: 73 mg
- Fat: 44.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 14.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 13.2 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg
