Looking for a culinary adventure beyond the usual chicken and pork? Explore the world of duck cooking with our collection of 60 mouthwatering recipes. Duck meat is an absolute delight, offering a rich and deeper flavor than its more commonly consumed counterparts. With its versatility, you can slice it into thin strips for a Vietnamese-inspired Pho or use it as the star of a Peking-style pizza. From hearty pasta dishes like duck ragu to gamey dinner entrees, duck has something for everyone.
And if you’re new to cooking with duck, don’t miss our 55th recipe – a true showstopper! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with these 60 duck recipes.
Thai Red Curry With Roasted Duck
The unique flavor profile of this dish truly caught my attention. The harmonious blend of chili spurs, coconut milk, and pineapple chunks creates a rich, warm, and inviting sensation that sets it apart from other dishes. The coconut milk acts as a subtle foundation, adding an underlying sweetness that beautifully balances the flavors, making for a thoroughly enjoyable culinary experience.
Duck Chow Mein With Hoisin Sauce
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of textures and flavors as succulent duck meat meets crispy skin, all wrapped up in a delicate dance of noodles. Chow Mein’s signature slippery savory noodles are coated in a rich, saucy glaze that perfectly balances the dish. What sets this stir-fry apart from others is its unique noodle variety – thin, wavy strands lightly dusted with flour that add a satisfying chewiness to each bite.
If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this delectable creation.
Duck With Spiced Plums
A show-stopping main course that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, this elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The sweet plums are infused with the warmth of star anise, the brightness of lime zest, and a touch of heat from chili peppers, providing a delightful contrast to the tender duck breast. To achieve a perfectly cooked, succulent duck breast without it becoming tough and rubbery, we recommend pan-searing it quickly followed by low-temperature roasting.
This tried-and-true method ensures a silky-smooth texture that’s sure to impress.
Venetian Duck Ragu With Pappardelle
At the core of this mouthwatering recipe lies a rich and savory tomato sauce, elevated by the addition of shredded duck meat. Imagine a bolognese-inspired concoction, but instead of traditional beef or pork, it’s duck that takes center stage. The process begins with succulent duck legs smothered in a bold and aromatic tomato sauce, then slow-cooked for hours until the meat becomes tenderly fall-apart.
To complete this satisfying dish, pair it with pappardelle pasta and top with generous sprinkles of grated parmesan cheese.
Duck A L’Orange
While French cuisine may be renowned for its complexity, one dish stands out as a masterclass in simplicity: Duck A ‘L’Orange. This beloved recipe has been expertly replicated time and again, and for good reason – the harmonious balance of flavors it achieves is nothing short of culinary magic. The key to this delightful union lies in the contrast between the duck’s richness and the orange’s sweetness.
Unlike its tart counterpart, lemon, orange brings a depth of flavor that not only cuts through the fattiness of the duck but also enhances it. To ensure that the meat remains tender and full of flavor, it is essential to select duck breasts with generous fat layers – this precious fat adds a richness to each bite, making every morsel truly unforgettable.
Shredded Duck & Mango Salad
The harmonious union of cinnamon, ginger, and chili spices provides a delightful contrast to the luscious sweetness of mango in this revitalizing duck salad. Perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer at a dinner party, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its satisfying combination of crisp veggies and tender duck. The zesty dressing adds a thrilling dimension, leaving you craving another bite.
Shredded Duck Burger
When it comes to alternative burgers, duck patties are truly exceptional. They’re juicy and packed with flavor, offering a refreshing change from the usual ground beef. The plum sauce adds a fruity and smoky twist that elevates this burger to a whole new level. Looking for some inspiration on what to serve alongside your burger? We’ve got you covered.
Duck Confit With Roasted Rhubarb
Confit, a time-honored method of preserving meats by cooking them in their own fat, remains a staple in many culinary traditions. Among the most iconic examples is duck confit, which has become synonymous with refined dining. When paired with sweet and tangy rhubarb, roasted to a delicate pink and sprinkled with sugar, the dish takes on an air of sophistication. While it does require some effort, the end result is well worth the extra work.
Vietnamese Duck Pho
For years, Vietnamese soup has been celebrated as a culinary masterpiece. However, for those who aren’t fans of beef, there’s an equally impressive alternative: duck-based pho. The addition of tender duck to the rich and aromatic broth creates a flavor profile that is nothing short of exquisite, making it a must-try option for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
Duck Breast With Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your Christmas gathering with this delectable roast duck, boasting perfectly crispy skin and a warm, spiced glaze that fills the air with enticing aromas. But what’s the secret to achieving a beautifully pan-seared duck? The key lies in scoring the fat on the breast before cooking. This simple step allows the fat to render more effectively in a hot skillet, releasing its rich flavors for an unparalleled dining experience.
Duck Rillettes
Rillette, a rich and concentrated meat paste, boasts a consistency similar to spreadable butter. Its intense flavor profile allows for a mere pinch to make a significant impact. While it’s certainly refined enough to be paired with humble crackers, it truly shines when served on artisanal breads like crusty baguettes, where its complex flavors can unfold and delight the palate.
Sous Vide Duck Breast With Braised Leeks & Mashed Potato
Achieving the perfect medium-rare doneness in cooking duck breasts is a breeze using sous vide. This simple yet effective method allows for precise temperature control, ensuring the duck’s natural flavors are showcased without overpowering them. To take it to the next level, this recipe incorporates fresh thyme sprigs and garlic, which harmonize beautifully with the duck’s rich taste. The result is an incredibly tender and juicy dish that rivals even the finest steaks.
Spicy Shredded Duck Tacos
The culinary combination of succulent duck meat, earthy broccoli slaw, and smoky chipotle is elevated by the creamy contrast of cotija cheese. This harmonious blend comes together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Imagine serving these duck tacos with a chilled glass of white wine – it’s the perfect setting for a sophisticated meal that will leave you wanting more.
Tea-Smoked Duck Breast
Indulge in the luxurious experience of tea-smoked duck, typically found on high-end Chinese restaurant menus. But what if you could recreate this culinary masterpiece at home without breaking the bank? The key lies in freshly grinding coriander, whole peppercorns, and allspice to amplify the flavor profile. The harmonious union between the rich, dark meat of duck and the subtle sweetness and honey-like aroma of lychee tea makes for a truly indulgent treat.
Thai-Style Duck Fried Rice
In the world of Thai cuisine, fried rice is often a creative outlet where cooks get to repurpose leftover ingredients into a savory and satisfying meal. This popular dish typically consists of a medley of meat, vegetables, and – of course – cooked rice. When it comes to cooking up this tasty treat, having the right type of rice is crucial. Unlike fresh rice, which can be too moist for frying, day-old rice is ideal for achieving the perfect texture.
In fact, using long-grain jasmine rice specifically will elevate your fried rice game and deliver the best results.
Duck Congee
Indulge in the comforting experience of a duck cone bowl, where tender shredded meat and silky smooth textures will leave you craving more. The use of duck legs, featuring both meat and bones, elevates the congee’s flavor profile with its rich umami notes.
When preparing this dish with a whole duck, it’s essential to remove as much skin as possible to minimize fat content, resulting in a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Duck Prosciutto
Unlike traditional prosciutto, these dry-cured duck breasts offer an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture. The resulting product boasts a rich smokiness, robust meatiness, and distinct personality that rivals its Italian counterpart. This innovative ‘prosciutto’ is incredibly versatile, allowing for a range of uses from garnishing sliced melon or wrapping around asparagus spears to adding a savory twist to salads by sautéing it in cubes.
Roasted Duck Pizza With Figs & Arugula
The harmony of flavors on this pizza is truly unmatched. The combination of savory duck, sweet figs, peppery arugula, and rich hoisin sauce creates a taste experience that’s hard to beat. And let’s not forget the abundance of cheese melted over the warm, crusty dough – it’s a match made in heaven. One bite and you’ll be hooked, eager for more.
Duck Salad With Balsamic Cherries
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece as succulent duck, rich balsamic cherries, and caramelized onions come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. This hearty salad is far from light and refreshing, with the sweetness of the caramelized onion and cherries perfectly balanced by the satisfying crunch of Brazil nuts.
Braised Duck With Taro
When it comes to pairing ingredients with duck meat, Taro’s unique characteristics shine. Its smooth, mild sweetness and sticky flavor create a delightful contrast that not only enhances the overall taste but also visually improves the dish’s appearance. By balancing out the richness of the duck, Taro adds a harmonious dimension, resulting in a more complex and pleasing culinary experience.
Shrimp, Duck, & Andouille Gumbo
The harmonious union of spicy Andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, and rich duck creates a delightful culinary experience. The bold flavors are skillfully balanced by the velvety gumbo file seasoning, resulting in a silky broth that’s bursting with warm, savory notes. This entrée is best savored over a bed of fluffy white rice, guaranteeing a satisfying and lip-smacking dining experience.
Duck Confit Crostini With Parsnip Puree & Fig
What makes these duck nibbles utterly irresistible is the harmonious marriage of flavors and sensations. The crunchy crostini provides a satisfying contrast to the silky smoothness of the parsnip puree, while the richly flavored duck confit adds an air of sophistication. Meanwhile, the sweet and fruity undertones from the figs bring everything together in perfect harmony.
These bite-sized treats are sure to impress at any gathering, whether served as party canapés or packed into a picnic basket for a delightful outdoor meal.
Duck Carnitas Nachos
In this brewpub classic, duck legs take center stage instead of the traditional pork shoulder. The tender result is achieved through a process called braising, where the duck is slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture featuring zesty orange peel and malty Mexican beer – a Vienna lager, to be specific. This recipe yields a substantial serving of nachos that’s perfect for sharing with friends on game day, elevating your snack time experience.
Pan-Seared Duck Breast With Blueberry Sauce
When it comes to creating a sweet-savory fusion dish, duck’s rich and fatty nature makes it an ideal component. However, its strong flavor can be overpowering. This is where the addition of tangy, sugary, or fruity elements like blueberries can help balance things out. The sweetness of the blueberries can effectively counteract the savory taste of the duck, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and colors.
Think hoisin sauce, orange, or plum sauce – all excellent choices for adding depth to your dish. But when you combine these with blueberries, you’re in for a real treat, with the bold combination of flavors and hues taking center stage.
Crispy Duck Fajitas
To elevate your fajita game, focus on achieving the perfect pan-seared chicken breast. Timing is crucial, as you need a scorching hot pan to get the job done. As you take that first bite, you might notice the crispy skin has a delightful texture – it’s okay if it feels slightly elastic between your teeth.
Instead of worrying about appearances, embrace the finger-lickin’ good experience and tear into those tender fajitas with reckless abandon or try breaking down the meat into smaller morsels to savor every last bite.
Cassoulet With Duck Confit
Indulge in the rich flavors of duck cassoulet, a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress. The harmonious blend of meats yields a depth of taste that perfectly complements the tender beans and vegetables. To unlock the full flavor potential, slow cooking is key. And the best part? Unlike traditional French recipes, you won’t need to wait days for a satisfying serving. Simply let it simmer away, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness.
Duck Bacon
While it’s common to confuse duck bacon and duck prosciutto, they’re actually distinct products. The process for curing the duck breast remains the same for both, but where they differ is in their aging processes. Duck bacon is smoked rather than aged before being consumed, whereas duck prosciutto undergoes a dry-aging procedure. Enjoy this rich umami flavor in just a few minutes of oven time.
Duck Stock
For a more nuanced flavor profile when cooking with stock or broth, consider substituting duck stock instead. This versatile liquid is surprisingly quick to prepare and can elevate the taste of your next pot of soup, sauce, risotto, or other savory dish to new heights. Additionally, its rich flavor holds up remarkably well when frozen, making it a great option for meal prep or batch cooking.
Duck Cracklings
Rendering duck fat also yields a deliciously crispy and savory duck skin snack, boasting an added layer of flavor. For optimal results, season these cracklings while they’re still warm to ensure the spice blend adheres evenly and thoroughly. Enjoy them as a satisfying between-meal treat or elevate your salads with this gourmet garnish.
Peking Duck
For centuries, Peking Duck has been a beloved staple of Beijing’s culinary scene. This iconic dish is comprised of tender roast duck, served with crispy skin and a side of savory pancakes, succulent vegetables, and a drizzle of rich sauce. And the best part? This recipe offers an authentic experience in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare the traditional version.
Duck Legs With Chinese Five Spice
Elevate your holiday menu with a show-stopping duck recipe. The harmonious blend of Chinese five spices – including star anise – imparts a distinctive sweet and toasted flavor that leaves a lasting impression. This mouthwatering dish boasts tender, succulent duck legs infused with a fragrant aroma, complemented by crunchy skin that adds a satisfying textural element.
Duck Rangoon
Elevating the classic Chinese American appetizer, crab rangoons take on a new dimension by incorporating duck meat into their filling. The result is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy wonton exterior gives way to a savory mixture of duck meat, green onions, and grated ginger, perfectly seasoned for optimal taste. When dipped in either a rich duck sauce or a tangy sweet and sour sauce, these bite-sized pockets become utterly irresistible.
Adobong Itik
In the Philippines, rural fiestas and other festive events are not complete without the serving of Adobong Itik, a beloved national dish. The dish’s enduring appeal can be attributed to the harmonious balance of flavors provided by the combination of vinegar and soy sauce, which creates a delightful interplay of sweet, salty, and tangy notes that leave diners craving for more.
Roast Duck Stuffed With Apples
Indulge in the quintessential flavors of roasted duck, elevated by the harmonious union of apples, spices, and a zesty citrus twist. The judicious infusion of lemon and orange juice lends a delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness, expertly complementing the tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth, effortlessly gliding off the bone.
Hoisin Duck
Culinary alchemy transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones, and hoisin sauce is the perfect example. When applied to the tender duck, it unlocks a rich tapestry of flavors – the savory sweetness balances out the salty depth, elevating the dish to new heights of indulgence. This sticky, sweet, and savory delight makes for an excellent weeknight meal option, particularly when served with Chinese pancakes, steaming hot rice, and refreshing vegetable slices.
Bigoli With Duck Ragu
When serving this meal, it’s traditional to pair it with bigoli, a type of Veneto-style pasta, and a rich duck ragu. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – if you make a double batch of the ragu, you can freeze it for later use, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade pasta dish whenever the mood strikes, without having to start from scratch.
Thai BBQ Duck Kebabs
Elevate your summer cookout game by introducing a mouthwatering BBQ duck recipe that’s sure to leave your guests craving more. The combination of smoky flavors and perfectly charred vegetables is a match made in heaven, while the grilled duck breast provides an unparalleled juiciness.
Cherry-Glazed Duck Breasts With Arugula Salad
The star of this refined dish is a homemade cherry vinaigrette that effortlessly plays triple duty: a glaze for the duck, a dressing for the arugula salad, and a harmonizer of all the flavor notes. This clever sauce tempers the richness of the duck’s meat by subtly incorporating the sweetness of cherries, thus creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Arroz De Pato
Duck Dumplings
Indulge in the ultimate culinary delight as you discover the addictive charm of handmade Duck Dumplings, a far cry from their store-bought counterparts. The tender meaty ground duck meat is skillfully combined with earthy mushrooms, infused with the pungency of green onion, the warmth of fresh ginger, and the subtle nuance of sesame oil. This harmonious blend culminates in dumplings that exemplify the pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship.
Duck Popper Slider
These bite-sized Duck Popper Sliders are sure to vanish quickly, so be prepared for multiple requests. The key to their irresistible charm lies in the harmonious union of rich duck meat and crispy bacon. But what truly sets them apart is the trifecta of flavors: melted cheese, a tangy raspberry chipotle sauce, and the savory essence of the duck, all combined to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Duck Confit Risotto With Butter & Sage
For a memorable and intimate dinner experience on a romantic date night, this creamy risotto with its subtle herbaceousness is an excellent choice. The richness of this dish stems from the duck confit, which infuses the rice with nearly every bite as it cooks. To take your meal to the next level, try cooking this gourmet version with duck for a rich and satisfying meaty flavor that will leave you and your partner in awe.
Smoked-Duck Salad With Walnuts & Raspberries
The frisée lettuce imbues this salad with a lively, light, and sophisticated essence. The leafy vegetable’s unique texture and subtle bitterness create a sense of elegance when added to salads. When paired with raspberries, almonds, and a tangy-sweet sherry vinaigrette, the ruffled green salad is transformed into a harmonious balance of sweet and fresh flavors, bursting with freshness.
Duck Confit
The key to elevating this dish is a process called dry brining, which involves coating the duck with salt and allowing it to air-dry in the refrigerator overnight. This technique not only produces golden-brown skin but also yields crispy, caramelized texture that’s simply divine. With this recipe, you’ll be able to replicate the flavors of professional chefs with ease, using the resulting confit in a variety of dishes.
Duck Hash
Indulge in a delightful Sunday morning treat with our delectable Duck Hash. This mouthwatering dish is elevated by the rich flavors of duck confit, perfectly complemented by buttery potatoes and poached eggs. It’s an ideal recipe for a leisurely brunch at home, finished with a pop of freshness from the vibrant herbs.
Skillet-Seared Thai Style Duck Salad
Savor the essence of a perfect summer evening with this delightful salad’s subtle yet revitalizing flavor. The harmonious union of zesty lime juice and savory fish sauce creates a velvety vinaigrette that beautifully complements tender duck breast, crisp vegetables, and textures. Despite its classification as a salad, this dish is satisfyingly substantial enough to take center stage as the main course.
Hoisin Duck Bao
When it comes to steamed bao buns, there’s no better way to enjoy them than when they’re freshly baked and still warm. The aroma of sweet, milky goodness wafts up, enticing you to take a bite. As you do, the soft, pillowy texture yields to your teeth, releasing a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of meats and crisp, fresh vegetables.
Grilled duck is a particularly excellent choice to fill these delicious buns, as the rich, moist meat provides a satisfying contrast to the crunchy cucumber and fluffy bao. The combination is truly delightful.
Duck Appetizer Chaffle With Rhubarb Topping
Within the realm of keto and low-carb enthusiasts, one breakfast sensation has gained widespread acclaim – chaffles. These egg and cheese waffle hybrids have captured hearts with their unique combination of textures and tastes. When paired with bold flavors like smoked duck breast and tangy rhubarb sauce, the mildness of the chaffle provides a delightful contrast that elevates the overall dining experience.
Duck Spring Rolls Wrapped In Mustard Greens
Delighting in the delicate balance of textures and flavors, this Asian-inspired picnic treat is a true showstopper. The tender duck, wrapped snugly within the rice paper, harmonizes with the surrounding ingredients to create a culinary symphony. As the sweet chili and peanut butter sauce tantalize the taste buds, the dish transforms into an unforgettable experience.
Crispy Whole Roast Duck
A common technique to counteract the gamey flavor of duck is to roast it with fruits like lemon slices and sugary prunes. This harmonious combination yields a rich and tantalizing taste experience. To take it to the next level, slow roasting the duck in a sauce made from orange juice and honey not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts an impressive mahogany hue.
The subtle balance of tart and sweet notes, coupled with the satisfying crunch of the crispy duck skin, elevates this dish to new heights.
Soy Braised Duck Ramen
As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a warm, comforting bowl of soup or stew to lift your spirits. And when it comes to satisfying comfort food, there’s no better match than rich, savory duck legs paired with an array of aromatic ingredients.
A hearty duck ramen soup, for instance, is the perfect way to enjoy these tender morsels, its broth infused with the deep flavors of bone stock, earthy mushrooms, crisp bok choy, and a blend of Asian spices that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
Duck BLT
While other sandwiches may try to rival its fame, the BLT remains unparalleled in terms of popularity. But what sets this iconic sandwich apart is its unique fusion of flavors and textures. The sweet and savory duck bacon, paired with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy lettuce, and plump tomatoes, all held together by charred bread, creates a culinary experience that’s anything but basic.
Despite its humble ingredients, the BLT’s simplicity belies its incredible taste and aroma, making it an absolute game-changer.
Rosemary Duck With Apricots
A delectable Sunday evening is within reach when you combine the sweet and herbaceous flavors of apricot with the savory essence of rosemary and the tender duck breast. The result is an impressive and indulgent meal that’s sure to impress. To complete the experience, consider pairing it with a glass of rosé, steamed brown rice, or a refreshing salad.
Duck Sandwich With Mustard Aioli
I’m convinced that duck breast is an exemplary choice for crafting exceptional sandwiches. The recipe I’ve developed serves as concrete evidence to support this claim. What truly elevates this sandwich, however, is the inclusion of Manchego cheese, which masterfully combines buttery, tangy, sweet, and nutty undertones, resulting in a flavor profile that’s truly a cut above the rest.
Tea Infused Oranged Duck Bites With Brie
These Orange Duck Bites are not only visually appealing, but also a culinary delight. The starring role of Brie Cheese in this recipe is a testament to its versatility, as its creamy texture and subtle saltiness harmonize perfectly with the dish’s other bold flavors. The sweetness of the marmalade and the fiery kick from the chili flakes create a tantalizing combination that complements the cheese beautifully.
Smoked Duck
When you’re craving smoked fowl with an extra layer of depth, give smoking a duck a try. By employing a smoker at a leisurely pace, the resulting dish will boast tender and flavorful meat that’s simply divine.
To achieve this level of excellence, it’s essential to master the art of smoking duck. This requires attention to detail when it comes to factors like smoking time and temperature, as well as proper preparation of the meat itself.
With these key elements in place, you’ll be on your way to creating a truly unforgettable smoked duck experience.
Duck Fat Potatoes
When it comes to cooking potatoes, using duck fat is a game-changer. The resulting spuds are not only crispy on the outside but also packed with rich, savory flavor that will leave you wanting more. One key to achieving this perfect balance of textures is to parboil the potatoes first, adding a touch of semolina flour for extra fluffiness. By following this simple technique, you’ll be rewarded with a side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Korean Style Duck Bulgogi
Bulgogi, a beloved Korean dish, has gained international recognition. What’s more thrilling is that this recipe puts a unique spin on the classic by using duck meat instead of traditional beef or pork. The result is an exceptionally garlicky, tender, smoky, and sweet culinary experience that redefines the boundaries of bulgogi.
Czarina (Polish Duck Blood Soup)
In Eastern Europe, a beloved culinary tradition is Czarnina, a rich and savory soup that showcases the versatility of duck or goose meat. This hearty dish, made with duck blood as its base, honors the cultural heritage of resourcefulness and minimizing food waste. The name Czarnina originates from the Polish word ‘Czarny,’ meaning ‘black,’ which accurately describes the dark hue of this intriguing soup.
Its distinctive flavor profile is characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet and sour notes, achieved through the combination of duck blood, vinegar, and dried fruits. This unique fusion has earned Czarnina a special place in the hearts and stomachs of those who savor its rich flavors.
Firecracker Duck Wings
On game day, no culinary experience is complete without indulging in some crispy fried delights. Case in point: Firecracker Duck Wings. The magic behind these succulent snacks lies in a two-step cooking process. First, the duck wings are baked to perfection, achieving a tender texture that’s simply divine. Next, they’re deep-fried to an irresistible crunch, adding a satisfying contrast to each bite.
But what truly elevates this dish is the Firecracker sauce – a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors that coats each wing with its fiery charm.
The bottom line
Duck’s undeniable charm is what makes it the showstopper of any culinary experience. Its unique flavor profile and versatility in preparation methods ensure that it always commands attention on the plate. As a result, it’s not uncommon for duck dishes to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning palates. If you’re looking to shake things up from the usual chicken or pork fare, these 60 delectable duck recipes are the perfect starting point for a gastronomic adventure.
