Are you struggling to decide on a dish to pair with the duck that’s been languishing in your freezer? You’re not alone. I’m guilty of it too, having purchased a sale duck only to be unsure of how to prepare it. But before it becomes freezer burnt, let me share some insights. Duck is often preferred over chicken due to its unparalleled flavor profile, which is rich, dark, and fatty. The tender, moist meat is a true delight when roasted or baked to perfection.
And don’t even get me started on crisping the thick skin – it’s an essential part of the process that rewards you with a wonderful texture and flavor. However, overcooking can result in a rubbery texture, so be mindful of that. Additionally, leftover duck fat is incredibly versatile and can be used to cook vegetables and other meats, giving you a significant flavor boost. Another reason why duck stands out is its versatility when paired with various side dishes.
From potatoes and pasta to simple leafy greens, the options are endless. But what to serve with duck? Let’s explore 18 mouth-watering side dishes that will elevate your meal game.
Vermicelli Rice
While some may dismiss this variation as simply DIY Rice-A-Roni on steroids, I’m here to tell you that it’s an entirely different culinary animal altogether. The key is vermicelli, a delightfully thin noodle that can be seamlessly integrated into any type of rice, elevating its starchy goodness to new heights.
By taking the time to toast this vermicelli in olive oil, we’re not only adding a dash of character to our dish, but also layering on flavor through a surprisingly simple yet effective process.
Garlic Noodles
Indulge in the simplicity of this eight-ingredient garlic noodle recipe, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of cooked duck. The combination of salty, sweet, and savory notes creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates any duck dish, whether it’s glazed or simply roasted with salt and pepper. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, always ready to enhance the overall dining experience.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to pairing side dishes with duck meat, why not opt for something that’s loved year-round? Mashed potatoes are a timeless classic that evokes memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends around the dinner table.
Not only do mashed potatoes possess the perfect starchiness to balance out the saltiness from the duck, but their creamy texture also harmonizes beautifully with the bird’s crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Ginger Green Beans
For those who prefer pairing vegetables with their flavorful duck, green beans are a great alternative. While they may present a learning curve, the key to success lies in mastering the cooking time. Initially, I found myself relying on canned green beans due to my inability to properly cook fresh ones. However, through trial and error, I was able to overcome this challenge.
The critical factor in achieving tender green beans is taste-testing as you go, allowing for adjustments based on your stove’s unique heat. When paired with the duck, the crunchy green beans provide a delightful contrast to the tender meat. While the ginger adds a nice accentuation to the dish, it’s not the only way to enjoy green beans with duck – other recipes can also achieve similar results.
Sauteed Broccolini
I’m unapologetically fond of broccolini – there’s just something about its subtle flavor profile that I adore.
One of the things I appreciate most about this ‘baby broccoli’ is its lack of overpowering vegetal taste. Unlike its more robust counterpart, broccolini boasts a milder, crisp texture that makes it a delight to eat.
What’s more, its thinner stems mean it cooks in half the time, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Whether you’re sautéing it with some butter and garlic powder or adding a drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist, broccolini is incredibly versatile.
To cook it to perfection, simply toss your broccolini in a pan with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Let it simmer until the stems are tender and the florets are crispy – then, as always, be sure to taste-test for optimal flavor.
That’s my take on broccolini: it’s a culinary delight that’s hard to resist.
Lemon Orzo Asparagus
Orzo, a classic Italian staple, may be unfamiliar to some, but its significance in Mediterranean cuisine is undeniable. Translating to ‘barley’ in Italian, the pasta’s unique shape is a direct reflection of its name. Made from either white flour or whole grain, orzo serves as a versatile alternative to rice and traditional pasta alike.
This recipe showcases the delightful union of orzo with asparagus, boasting a refreshing lemony flavor profile and satisfying crunch from the vegetable pieces.
To elevate this dish further, be sure to sprinkle a pinch of lemon zest on top for an added burst of citrusy charm.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
While buttery mushrooms are often associated with steak, I’d like to challenge that notion. This garlic butter mushroom recipe is so decadent it’s almost indulgent – and it melts in your mouth like butter itself. But here’s the twist: it actually contains butter, as well as teriyaki sauce and steak seasoning. To make them, simply smother the mushrooms in a pan with butter and sauce, sautéing with garlic and adding a tablespoon of olive oil for good measure. And you know what?
They’re versatile enough to pair perfectly with everything from eggs and salads to fish – or even duck, if that’s your thing.
Spicy Southwestern Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game by adding a smoky twist! This innovative recipe takes the classic version to new heights with the addition of crunchy bacon bits. Ditch the traditional mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar and vinegar combination in favor of this savory surprise. When you take a bite, the crispy texture from the bacon will complement the creamy filling perfectly.
Duck Fat Fries
While a traditional serving of fries can be a suitable accompaniment to your duck meat, it would be a shame to overlook the rich flavor potential of the duck fat itself. To unlock this flavorful option, simply allow the oil to reach its smoking point before adding the fries. If you’re looking for an added depth of flavor, consider substituting delicate fleur de sel for table salt to bring out the best in your dish.
Apple Spinach Salad
When it comes to deciding what to pair with duck, few options can rival the delightful combination of an apple spinach salad. The textural contrast and subtle bitterness of the baby greens provide a perfect foil for the sweet, crispy apples and toasted walnuts, while the tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings everything together in harmony.
And let’s not forget the savory depth that goat cheese or feta cheese adds to the dish, elevating it from a mere accompaniment to your duck meat to a truly memorable culinary experience.
Sweet Potato Fries
Looking for a tasty alternative to traditional French fries? Sweet potato fries are an excellent choice. Not only do they offer a lighter and sweeter twist on the classic snack, but they also pair perfectly with duck dishes when served with your favorite dipping sauce. And the best part? You can customize their flavor to your liking by sprinkling them with your go-to spices. In this recipe, we keep things simple with a blend of garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Simply toss the sweet potato fries with the seasoning, then roast or air fry them to perfection.
Italian Roasted Pepper Salad
While duck may not be the first dish that comes to mind when considering accompaniments, roasted bell peppers surprisingly make a delightful pairing. The roasting process mellows out their natural flavor, creating a mild and slightly sweet complement to the rich flavors of the duck. When combined with Italian dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and a sprinkle of nuts, this salad transforms into an unforgettable culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Glazed Carrots
Not only are glazed carrots remarkably simple to prepare, but they’re also bursting with flavor! With just a few basic ingredients, you can craft these scrumptious, savory butter-glazed carrots that will satisfy your cravings. Simply microwave the carrot pieces for 6-7 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and impart a rich, brownish hue. As the butter melts, it infuses each bite with a luscious, indulgent taste, making every crunch a delightful experience.
Farro Salad With Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a game-changer, as it allows you to caramelize the natural flavors of your chosen veggies. The best part? You can use whatever’s in season and on hand, even unexpected ingredients like radishes, which take on a mild flavor when roasted. Farro, with its nutty and chewy texture, provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized veggies. While I didn’t include it in this recipe, a dollop of creamy goat cheese added on top is truly the icing on the cake.
To get the best results, make sure your cut veggies have plenty of room to roast evenly and aren’t overcrowded. A sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of apple cider or balsamic vinegar can add an extra layer of depth and complexity to this dish.
Mashed Pumpkin
Beyond its traditional association with Thanksgiving, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. When paired with cinnamon during the fall season, it takes on a new level of complexity and depth. The savory-sweet flavor profile of mashed pumpkin is not only a natural match for duck, but also pairs well with other autumnal favorites like roasted squash or hearty grains.
Italian Eggplant Parmesan
Indulge in the rich flavors of roasted eggplant, perfectly balanced with an abundance of high-quality red sauce and an uncompromising depth of tomato taste. Unlike traditional ‘parmigiana’ dishes, our recipe eschews breading for a lighter, more refined approach. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying accompaniment to your meal or simply craving a flavorful side dish, this hearty offering is sure to satisfy.
Italian Peas With Mushrooms
In the realm of classic Italian side dishes, few can rival the harmonious union of sautéed mushrooms and sweet peas. For this recipe, opt for baby Bella mushrooms and pair them with the sweetness of Italian peas. The resulting flavor combination is nothing short of a culinary symphony, with the earthy undertones of the mushrooms beautifully complementing the natural sweetness of the peas.
What’s more, the cooking process is remarkably straightforward, requiring a mere 5 minutes to bring this delightful side dish to life. This speediness makes it an ideal accompaniment to a tender duck dish, or indeed any protein of your choice.
Wild Rice Pancakes
While dining at a great restaurant near me, I had the pleasure of pairing wild rice pancakes with crispy, sliced duck. Although the flavor was delightful, the texture fell short of my expectations – too reminiscent of fluffy American breakfast pancakes. In contrast, this recipe yields a fritter-like texture that perfectly showcases the dark, chewy quality of wild rice.
The bottom line
When considering what to pair with duck, the possibilities are endless due to its versatility as a meat. The key consideration is that the chosen side dish should harmonize with the flavors of the duck. For a straightforward approach, a few green leafy vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, you can opt for a more exciting and flavorful accompaniment.
If you have duck lingering in your freezer, perhaps awaiting inspiration on what to serve with it, this post is designed to help you explore the many options.
