This recipe for seared duck breast makes a fast and easy weeknight dinner or a fancy, yet stress-free, dinner party entrée. Score the skin on boneless duck breasts to help the fat render out, then sear the breasts until crispy and golden brown. Set the duck aside to rest, and simmer some of the tasty pan drippings with honey and fresh raspberries for a sweet-tart glaze. Serve with a wild rice or French green bean salad.
- Yield: 2 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: 20 mins
Ingredients (5)
- 1 pound boneless, skin-on duck breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Heat the duck breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch-wide diamond pattern through the skin and fat of the breasts (don’t cut more than 1/4 inch deep). Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 4 minutes. Add the duck skin-side down and cook undisturbed until the skin is crisp and golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, flip the duck, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a clean cutting board or plate and tent loosely with foil; set aside.
- Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet. Add the raspberries and honey and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries start to break down and the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the sauce with the duck.
