Whole slow cooked duck glazed with honey on a serving plate

Succulent Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Whole Duck

Name: Succulent Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Whole Duck
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 piece whole duck (about 2 kg); 2 tbsp salt (preferably kosher or sea salt for even seasoning); 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 3 tbsp honey (choose a light, mild honey for glaze); 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 3 pieces garlic cloves (minced); 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional); 200 ml water (for the slow cooker base)

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medium

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories600kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat40gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

whole duck (about 2 kg)1 piece
salt (preferably kosher or sea salt for even seasoning)2 tbsp
black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
honey (choose a light, mild honey for glaze)3 tbsp
soy sauce (low sodium recommended)2 tbsp
garlic cloves (minced)3 pieces
fresh thyme (optional)2 sprigs
water (for the slow cooker base)200 ml

Experience the joy of cooking a tender and flavorful whole duck, slow cooked to perfection and finished with a golden honey glaze. This recipe guides you through every step with easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring juicy meat and a crispy skin. Total ingredient cost is approximately $15 USD, €13, £11, and ₹1200. The dish yields 4 servings with about 600 kcal each. Suitable for a medium cooking skill level, prepare for about 15 minutes prep and 4 hours cooking. This delightful duck complements any festive dinner or special occasion.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Duck

1Remove the duck from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.

Season the Duck

2Rub the duck all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you have fresh thyme, place sprigs inside the duck cavity for added flavor.

Prepare the Honey Glaze

3In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. This will be brushed on later for a sweet, savory finish.

Place Duck in Slow Cooker

4Pour 200 ml of water into the base of the slow cooker to keep the environment moist. Place the whole duck breast side up in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Slow Cook the Duck

5Cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. It is important that the internal temperature of the duck reaches a minimum of 74°C (165°F) to be safe for consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the duck thigh without touching bone.

Glaze the Duck

6Once the duck has cooked fully and is tender, preheat your oven grill/broiler to high. Carefully transfer the duck to a baking tray lined with foil. Brush the honey glaze all over the skin of the duck for a beautiful caramelized finish.

Apply Final Broil for Crispness

7Place the duck under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The skin should become crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Cooking Tips

1Patting the duck dry initially helps the skin become crispy during the broiling step.

2Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the duck; safety first!

3Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw duck.

4If a slow cooker is unavailable, you can roast the duck at 150°C (300°F) for approximately 3 hours, then glaze and broil as directed.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Small mixing bowl
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Baking tray
Aluminum foil

Shopping List

[ ] Whole duck (about 2 kg) - Approx. $12.00. Choose a fresh or properly thawed duck with firm skin.
[ ] Kosher or sea salt - Approx. $0.50. Coarser salt works best for seasoning.
[ ] Black pepper - Approx. $0.30. Freshly grind for best flavor.
[ ] Honey (mild) - Approx. $2.00. Look for pure honey without additives.
[ ] Soy sauce (low sodium) - Approx. $1.00. Helps the glaze balance sweetness.
[ ] Garlic cloves - Approx. $0.20. Fresh garlic adds robust aroma.
[ ] Fresh thyme (optional) - Approx. $0.50. Adds herbal fragrance.

Total estimated cost: $16.50. Prices may vary by location and brand.

FAQ

How do I know when the duck is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.