Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that will impress your family and friends, then this Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze recipe is just what you need! There’s something truly special about roasting a whole duck; it fills your home with an incredible aroma and creates a feeling of warmth and celebration. This dish is perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

What makes this recipe even more delightful is the figgy orange glaze. It adds a sweet and tangy twist that complements the rich flavor of the duck beautifully. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be eager to share it with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this recipe takes the guesswork out of roasting a duck.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of figs and oranges creates a delicious glaze that elevates the dish.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this at family gatherings or holiday dinners, and watch your guests be amazed!
• Flexible Serving Options: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this recipe works beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this fabulous dish! Each one plays an essential role in creating that mouthwatering flavor we all love.

For the Roast

• 1 whole chilled duck
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (if duck is brined, do not add salt)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano, dried
• ½ teaspoon thyme, dried
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 sprig rosemary, fresh
• 2 sprigs thyme, fresh

For the Glaze

• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fig jam
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut amino acids
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon corn starch

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change Up the Fruit: Use other fruits like apple or cranberry for a different flavor profile in the glaze.
• Add Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
• Try Different Sauces: Substitute the fig jam with different kinds of fruit preserves to switch things up.
• Go Vegetarian: If you want to skip the duck entirely, try roasting vegetables with the same glaze for a tasty side dish.

How to Make Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Duck

First things first—let’s get our duck ready! Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin later on. If your duck is brined, remember not to add extra salt. Season it inside and out with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and cracked black pepper. This step infuses wonderful flavors right into the meat!

Step 2: Make the Glaze

While your duck is resting, let’s prepare that fabulous figgy orange glaze! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, fig jam, maple syrup, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), balsamic vinegar, and corn starch. Stir until it thickens slightly—this will create a sticky coating that will caramelize beautifully on your duck.

Step 3: Roast Your Duck

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your seasoned duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast it for about 90 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Baste it with the glaze every 30 minutes to build up layers of flavor!

Step 4: Let It Rest

Once your duck reaches perfection in color and texture, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting time allows those juicy flavors to settle in.

And there you have it—a beautiful Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze ready for sharing! I can’t wait for you to try this out; it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Cooking a whole duck might seem intimidating, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be serving up a stunning dish that will impress everyone at your table!

• Choose the right duck: Look for a high-quality, well-fatted whole duck to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor. A good quality bird will yield better results and make your dish shine.

• Pat it dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the duck dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy skin, as excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than roasting.

• Score the skin: Gently score the skin in a criss-cross pattern without cutting into the meat. This allows fat to render out during cooking, giving you even crispier skin.

• Monitor internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast for it to be perfectly cooked.

• Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow your duck to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s flavorful and moist.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Presenting your oven-roasted crispy duck with figgy orange glaze can turn an everyday meal into a festive occasion. Beautifully arranged on a platter, this dish is sure to be the centerpiece of any dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds color and freshness, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
• Orange zests: A few shavings of zest on top can brighten the dish visually and add a burst of citrus aroma that complements the glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted root vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and potatoes tossed with olive oil and herbs creates a hearty side that balances the richness of the duck.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of your glaze.

• Sauteed green beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with a pinch of sea salt offer a crisp contrast to the rich duck while adding vibrant color to your plate.

• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing not only adds texture but also brings brightness to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This oven-roasted crispy duck is not just a delightful main course; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making your weeknight dinners or festive gatherings stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the duck in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• If you want to keep leftovers longer, consider freezing.
• Wrap the cooled duck securely in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the duck on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy that crispy skin again!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this delicious dish.

Can I prepare the Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the duck a day before and store it in the fridge. Just roast it before serving for that fresh, crispy finish.

What should I serve with Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze?

This flavorful duck pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad. Consider complementing it with a sweet potato mash for a lovely balance!

How do I ensure my Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck turns out crispy?

To achieve that perfect crispy skin, make sure to dry the duck thoroughly before seasoning and roasting. Also, roasting at a high temperature initially helps render the fat and crisp up the skin beautifully.

What’s the best way to use leftover Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck?

Leftover duck can be shredded and added to salads, wraps, or stir-fries. It’s incredibly versatile and adds great flavor to many dishes!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze inspires you as much as it has me! It’s truly special—combining rich flavors with an impressive presentation that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, I trust you will love making this dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your experience; I’d love to hear how yours turns out!