Succulent BBQ Stewed Duck Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories550kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat35gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Duck breast (skin on) - choose fresh, firm, and pinkish skin with no strong odor2 pieces
- BBQ sauce - select your favorite bottled or homemade BBQ sauce, about 1 cup240 ml
- Olive oil - for searing1 tbsp
- Onion - medium, finely chopped1 piece
- Garlic cloves - minced3 pieces
- Chicken broth or water - low sodium preferred1 cup
- Smoked paprika - for extra smoky flavor1 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper - freshly groundto taste n/a
This BBQ stewed duck breast recipe is perfect for home cooks seeking flavorful, tender, and juicy duck using simple ingredients. The process includes marinating, searing, and slow stewing for the best texture and rich BBQ flavor. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, and ₹1200. The dish has roughly 550 kcal per serving, is suitable for a low-carb diet, has medium difficulty, and takes about 1 hour to prepare and cook. Food safety is prioritized, with specific internal temperature guidelines to ensure safe and delicious results.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the duck breasts
1Score the skin of the duck breasts carefully in a criss-cross pattern without cutting into the meat. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin when searing.
Sear the duck breasts
2Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove duck and set aside. This step adds rich flavor and beautifully renders the fat.
Sauté onion and garlic
3In the same skillet, remove excess duck fat if too much remains. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika, cook for another minute to release aroma.
Add liquids and duck breasts
4Pour chicken broth and BBQ sauce into the skillet, stir well. Return the duck breasts to the pan, skin side up, spoon some sauce over. Reduce heat to low.
Stew the duck breasts
5Cover the pan with a lid and let it stew gently for about 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Duck is safe to eat at 74°C (165°F). For moist and tender results, cook until 68°C (155°F) for medium rare or 74°C (165°F) if preferred well done.
Rest and serve
6Remove duck breasts from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps juices redistribute and keeps the meat juicy. Serve sliced with the BBQ sauce spooned over.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure safety and avoid overcooking.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw duck and vegetables.
3For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
4If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
5Leftover duck can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a pan with sauce.
Equipment Needed
- Heavy skillet or frying pan with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 2 duck breasts (about 300-400g each) – $10: Choose fresh with good color and firm skin.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (1 cup) – $3: Pick a sauce with your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) – $0.20: Extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] 1 medium onion – $0.50: Firm and dry skin.
- [ ] 3 garlic cloves – $0.30: Fresh and firm to the touch.
- [ ] 1 cup chicken broth – $0.50: Low sodium for better control.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) – $1.50: Adds wonderful smoky flavor.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper – pantry staples.
Total approximate cost: $15.00
FAQ
How do I know when the duck breast is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer: duck breast is safe at 74°C (165°F). For juicier results, cook to 68°C (155°F) and let rest.
Can I use duck breast without skin?
You can, but skin-on helps the flavor and fat renders during cooking, leading to moister meat.
How should I store leftover duck?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Can I use other types of BBQ sauce?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or smoky BBQ sauces to suit your taste.