Duck Breast Made Easy
Duck breast is an intimidating protein, but it is in fact easier than you’d think with this ingenious technique from chef Gordon Ramsey and the simple seasonings in this recipe result in some delicious duck and a new family favorite. This was our first attempt at duck and we were pleasantly surprised at how tasty this meal was. The fat layer on duck is quite thick and the thought of the thick layer of fat is not particularly pleasing (imo), but with early salting of the meat the day before (be liberal with the salt) and the slow pan sear we reduce a significant amount of fat and get a crispy skin. The leftovers in the pan can be used for tasty sides (duck fat french fries!). The Duck Breast Made Easy is a great fall meal along side some potatoes and carrots or other fall vegetables.
Duck Breast Made Easy
Ingredients
- 2 pieces duck breast, trim off excess fat and meatif any and save for another use
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 5 sprigs of thyme
- Maldon salt, to taste
- black pepper, fresh cracked
Instructions
- A day before, prep duck breasts (at least 2 hours before will work as well)
- Coarsely chop rosemary and thyme
- Lay out a sheet of saran wrap for each breast and lay each breast on top
- Salt and pepper liberally and add rosemary, thyme, and cayenne to meat
- Spread evenly
- Wrap up breasts and place in fridge until ready to cook
- On the day of cooking:
- When ready to cook heat oven to 400 deg F
- Place oven safe pan on stove top
- Take out duck breasts and unwrap, remove cayenne peppers
- Add salt and pepper to fat side
- Place duck breast fat side down in pan and turn heat on to med low (level 4 of 10) for 10 minutes
- Turn up heat to medium (level 6 of 10) for 2 minutes
- Turn up heat to high (level 8 of 10) for 3 minutes
- Take duck breast and flip over to meat side and cook for 3 minutes
- Turn breast back over so fat side is down and put pan in oven
- Cook for 5 minutes
- Remove and place on cutting board
- Take pictures for bragging rights
- Let sit a total of five minutes
- Cut slices at an angle
- Take more pictures
- Use the leftovers drippings to make a sauce