Best Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

ROAST DUCK WITH APRICOT GLAZE



Roast Duck With Apricot Glaze image

I love preparing duck, because nothing is wasted. Use the liver and make a deconstructed pate by sauteing shallot in butter; add the liver and mash, then add a little S&P. Served on baguette, this makes for an easy appetizer. After many less than optimal results with roasting duck, I finally learned that the secret to a really good crispy skin is boiling it before roasting. I also let it dry in the fridge for a couple of days before roasting. Save the broth, chill it, then skim off the fat that will rise to the surface and save for use in other recipes. Julia Child was right when she said, "Always save your duck fat." Once the broth is reduced, combine with veal stock, reduce more, & you will have a lovely sauce. The first time I boiled a duck, I didn't realize how out of control a hot slippery duck could be--sloshing hot greasy liquid all over my tiny kitchen. So the second time, I trussed the legs together, leaving the twine long, in order to have something to hold on to.

Provided by French Terrine

Categories     Whole Duck

Time 4h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (5 lb) whole duck
1 1/2 teaspoons quatre-epices
salt
1/2 cup apricot jam
2 cups veal stock

Steps:

  • Boil duck for 30-45 minutes in enough water so that it is completely submerged.
  • Remove and blot dry inside and out with paper towels. Place in fridge for a couple of days to allow the skin to become very dry.
  • Refrigerate the lovely greasy duck broth. Once the fat has all risen to the top, skim it off and save to use in other recipes--like potatoes roasted with duck fat----YUM.
  • Reduce your duck broth, concentrating it down to 2--3 cups. Combine with veal stock and reduce down to another 2--3 cups. This will take several hours. If you wish to thicken it, make a little roux with some duck fat and some flour, slowly whisking some of the reduction, whisking continuously, allowing to boil gently. Then add the remainder of the reduction. Adjust your seasonings with salt and pepper.
  • Remove duck from fridge for an hour or so before roasting.
  • Preheat over to 400 degrees F.
  • Salt generously and dust with the quatre epices--see note below.
  • Roast breast side up for 90 minutes, spreading apricot jam on it for the last half hour.
  • Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes if you can wait that long.
  • Carve up and serve with the reduction/sauce.
  • **********************************************************************************.
  • Quater epices (meaning four spices) is a French spice blend, but it is also found in Middle Eastern kitchens. It is often used in terrines, fresh sausages, and pates. Add a heaping teaspoon to a pot of hearty stew for a surprising new depth. Here's an example of this versatile blend:.
  • Combine 2 tablespoons white peppercorns, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg,1/2 teaspoon (about 12) whole cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
  • Grind up peppercorns and cloves, and combine with the rest. Store in cool, dark, dry place.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2389.5, Fat 223.3, SaturatedFat 75, Cholesterol 431.3, Sodium 373.5, Carbohydrate 25.8, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 17.4, Protein 65.5

APRICOT GLAZED DUCK



Apricot Glazed Duck image

Make and share this Apricot Glazed Duck recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ewalla

Categories     Whole Duck

Time 2h50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 wild ducks, cleaned
1 apple, chunked
1 orange, chunked
1 onion, chunked
4 celery ribs, chopped into 1-inch pices
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
salt
pepper
garlic powder
poultry seasoning
1/2 cup dry red wine (I used merlot)
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
2 tablespoons honey

Steps:

  • Pierce the skin of the ducks and rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Let marinate for a few hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  • Stuff each duck with pieces of apple, orange, onion and celery. Rub the ducks with soy sauce and oil and place in roasting pan. Baste with red wine. Cover with aluminum foil and place in oven. Every 15 minutes baste the ducks with more wine and juices from the pan. Let bake for about 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 1/2 hours.
  • Combine apricot preserves with honey and thin it out with a little water. Uncover the ducks and baste with the glaze. Turn the oven to broil and cook ducks for about 10-15 more minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they do not burn.
  • Serve with garlic bread to soak up the juices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1445.8, Fat 100.5, SaturatedFat 29.6, Cholesterol 432, Sodium 1680.5, Carbohydrate 29.8, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 21.4, Protein 97.6

APRICOT GLAZED DUCK



Apricot Glazed Duck image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 duck breasts
1 large white onion, diced
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cold water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly chopped tarragon leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the duck breasts skin side down for about 2 minutes without shaking the pan. Turn over and cook on the other side for another 2 minutes. Remove to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Transfer the duck breasts to a cutting board and set aside to rest.
  • Using the same pan you cooked the duck in, saute the onions, over medium heat, until golden brown. Add in the chopped apricots, apple cider vinegar, chicken stock and white wine. Cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add it to the apricot mixture, stirring constantly until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Allow to cook until the paste taste disappears, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the tarragon and the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
  • Slice the duck breast on a bias. Lay a little sauce on the base of each white serving plate and top with the duck. Spoon a little more sauce over the duck and serve.

What is Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe?

Apricot Roast Duck Legs recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner. This recipe involves marinating the duck legs in a blend of spices and apricot jam, and roasting them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. The addition of apricot jam adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the meat, making it a unique and enjoyable dish.

Ingredients Needed for Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe

To prepare this tasty dish, the following ingredients are required:
Duck Legs:
Firstly, you will need two large duck legs that are preferably cleaned and prepared ready for cooking.
Apricot Jam:
The highlight of this recipe, apricot jam is the key ingredient that infuses the duck with its unique and tangy flavor. Two tablespoons of high-quality apricot jam are required.
Spices:
Aromatic spice combinations like thyme, bay leaves, and fresh garlic amplify the flavors of the duck. Two cloves of garlic, two sprigs of thyme, and two bay leaves should be enough.
Seasonings:
Staple seasonings such as salt and pepper, to taste.

Directions for Preparing Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe

To begin, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the duck legs in a baking dish or tray and season with salt and pepper. Add in the garlic cloves, bay leaves, and thyme. Add two tablespoons of apricot jam to the duck legs and mix well so that the legs are fully coated in the jam. Cover the tray or dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about an hour or until the duck is tender and well-cooked. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure that the skin is crispy and caramelized. Let the duck legs rest for a few minutes before serving on a platter with your preferred accompaniment, like roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional apricot jam if desired.

Benefits of Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe

This delicious and flavorful dish is not only pleasing to the taste buds but is also nutritious.
High Protein:
Duck is a rich source of protein which is beneficial for building and maintaining strong muscles.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Duck meat is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc that are essential for proper body functioning.
Low in Saturated Fat:
Duck meat has a low saturated fat content, making it a healthier protein source for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Cooking Tips for Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe

To make this dish a success, keep these tips in mind:
Marinating is key:
Marinate the duck legs in the apricot jam and spices for at least an hour or overnight for the best flavor.
Poking holes in the skin:
Poke small holes in the skin of the duck legs before roasting. This allows excess fat to escape and results in a crispy exterior.
Resting the meat:
Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures that the juices are distributed evenly throughout the meat and not lost when slicing.

In Conclusion

Apricot Roast Duck Legs recipe is a unique and flavorful dish that anyone can make. The combination of apricot jam and classic spices elevates the flavors of the duck legs, resulting in a juicy, tender, and delicious meal. This dish is a great way to impress guests or to level up a weeknight dinner. So, give it a try and add this tasty recipe to your repertoire.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apricot Roast Duck Legs Recipe

If you have been looking for a new recipe that can add some elegance and sophistication to your dinner table, then apricot roast duck legs recipe could be just the thing you need. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a tasty, tender and succulent duck meat that is perfectly seasoned and glazed with sweet apricot. However, making the perfect apricot roast duck legs recipe is not an easy task. It requires patience, attention to detail, and some important tips that can help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the best possible results. So, to help you create a mouthwatering meal, we have put together some valuable tips that you should keep in mind when making your apricot roast duck legs recipe.
1. Choose high-quality duck legs
The first step to making a successful apricot roast duck legs recipe is to pick high-quality duck legs. The best duck legs are fresh, plump, and have a good amount of fat covering the skin. You can purchase fresh duck legs from local farms and specialty food stores, or you can order them online.
2. Salt-brine the duck legs overnight
Before cooking the duck legs, it’s important to salt-brine them overnight to help tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor. To do this, combine water, salt, sugar, and your favorite herbs and spices in a large bowl or container. Submerge the duck legs in the brine, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, remove the duck legs from the brine, rinse them off, and pat them dry.
3. Score the skin and sear the duck legs
Scoring the skin of the duck legs before cooking them will help release the fat and create a crispy, golden-brown crust. To do this, use a sharp knife to make shallow criss-cross cuts on the skin of each duck leg. Searing the duck legs over high heat before roasting them will also help create a crispy, caramelized exterior. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the duck legs, skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
4. Slow-roast the duck legs
After searing the duck legs, transfer them to a roasting pan and slow-roast them in the oven. Slow-roasting will allow the meat to cook evenly and become tender and juicy. Preheat your oven to 300°F and cook the duck legs for about 2-3 hours, until they are fully cooked and tender.
5. Glaze the duck legs with apricot sauce
To add a sweet and tangy flavor to your apricot roast duck legs, make a glaze by combining apricot preserves, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Cook the glaze over medium heat until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Baste the duck legs with the glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will create a sticky and flavorful coating on the outside of the duck legs.
6. Rest the duck legs before serving
After the duck legs are finished cooking, remove them from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting the duck legs will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
7. Serve with your favorite sides and garnishes
Apricot roast duck legs recipe is best served with sides that complement the sweet and savory flavor of the duck. Some great options include roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a citrus salad. You can also add some fresh herbs or chopped nuts to garnish the plate and add texture and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Apricot roast duck legs recipe is an impressive dish that can elevate your dinner parties to the next level. However, to make the perfect apricot roast duck legs recipe, you need to follow some important tips that can help you achieve the best possible results. By choosing high-quality duck legs, salt-brining them overnight, scoring and searing the skin, slow-roasting them in the oven, glazing them with apricot sauce, resting them before serving, and serving them with your favorite sides and garnishes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will delight your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Related Topics