Ingredients
Scale
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (5–6 lbs), giblets removed
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Duck
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the Duck: Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat from the cavity.
- Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. This helps the fat render and the skin crisp up.
- Season the Duck: Generously season the duck inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the cavity with the orange, lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Roast the Duck
- Set Up the Roasting Pan: Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. This ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
- Roast: Roast the duck in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Drain Fat: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and drain the rendered fat into a heatproof container. Reserve the fat for cooking later—it’s liquid gold!
- Flip the Duck: Flip the duck breast-side down and return it to the oven for 30 minutes.
Make the Glaze
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon.
- Simmer: Cook over medium heat until the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Finish Roasting
- Glaze the Duck: Flip the duck breast-side up again. Brush it generously with the glaze.
- Increase Heat: Raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the final 20-30 minutes. This will crisp the skin and caramelize the glaze.
- Check for Doneness: The duck is ready when the skin is deep golden brown and the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Carve
- Rest: Let the duck rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Carve: Use a sharp knife to carve the duck into portions. Serve with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 30 min.
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 500kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 30g