| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 530 | 35g | 11g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 4g | 36g | 1.90g |
There’s something rather magical about a Roasted Duck with Mandarine Glaze. When you combine the rich, full-flavored complexity of duck with the spritzy, refreshing vibe from fresh mandarins, you do something magical to your tastebuds. This unique fusion of flavor truly lives up to the spirit of Southern cuisine, while exploring new, creative bounds.
A Nod to Traditional Southern Cooking…
As a born and bred Southern belle, my culinary palette has always been deeply ingrained in wholesome, traditional Southern foods. Of course, I’m not opposed to a shakeup every now and then. Spit roasted duck is certainly not new to the Southern food landscape, but when a dish like Roasted Duck with Mandarine Glaze comes along, it’s a delicious re-imagination of what Southern cooking could be. It’s familiar, yet different. Comforting, yet adventurous.
The Health Factor
It’s not just the palate pleasing properties of this dish that draw me to it. Duck meat, while indulgent, is surprisingly lean and packed with proteins and minerals, which makes it a great pick for those maintaining a balanced diet. There are numerous health benefits. And mandarins, on the other hand, are high in Vitamin C, a key player in boosting your immunity and uplifting general wellness. This healthy dimension just cements my love for this dish more.
If you have ever tried the iconic Peking Duck or even a simple Roast Chicken, you will notice certain culinary parallels with this recipe. The glaze is where most of the difference lies. Think of it as a bright, aromatic twist to traditional gravy. And, let me tell you, it works so perfectly with the duck!
Roasted Duck with Mandarine Glaze truly stands out on its own, but if you’re keen on creating a full-blown dinner menu, consider coupling it with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple Garden Salad on the side. I hope you come to love this recipe as much as I do. Here’s to culinary exploration, and to us, champions of the modern southern kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole duck (4 to 5 pounds)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups mandarin juice
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Fresh zest of 2 mandarins
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 6 fresh mandarins, halved (for garnish)
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it dry. Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper all over and inside the cavity.
Step Two
Heat olive oil in a roasting pan placed over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Place the duck in the pan, breast side down, and cook until the skin gets browned. Turn the duck over, then transfer the pan into the preheated oven.
Step Three
Roast the duck for 2 hours, until the skin is crispy and meat is cooked through.
Step Four
While the duck is roasting, prepare the mandarin glaze. Combine mandarin juice, chicken stock, mandarin zest, honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the saucepan to slightly thicken the glaze.
Step Five
About 30 minutes before the duck is done, remove it from the oven and brush it with the mandarin glaze. Return to the oven and continue roasting, brushing with glaze again after 15 minutes.
Step Six
Once the duck is cooked and well glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving it.
Step Seven
Garnish with fresh halved mandarins and herbs before serving. Drizzle with leftover glaze and serve hot. Enjoy your Roasted Duck with Mandarine Glaze!
