Crispy Balsamic Duck Breasts

Indulge in the sophisticated flavors of Crispy Balsamic Duck Breasts, a simple yet elegant recipe that transforms a weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Perfectly seared skin-on duck breasts are pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection, then paired with a luscious balsamic glaze made from tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and a touch of fragrant rosemary. This dish combines minimal prep time with maximum flavor, delivering tender, succulent meat and a beautifully glossy sauce that's perfect for drizzling over the slices. Serve with accompaniments like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ideal for impressing guests or elevating your own culinary skills, this recipe is a must-try for fans of bold, savory dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces duck breasts (skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.

Step 3

Season both sides of the duck breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4

Heat a large, cold skillet over medium-low heat (starting in a cold pan helps render the fat from the skin). Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet.

Step 5

Cook the duck breasts skin-side down for 8-10 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. If needed, drain off excess rendered fat into a heatproof container while cooking.

Step 6

Flip the duck breasts and cook the flesh side for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness (about 135°F/57°C for medium-rare). Remove the duck breasts from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board, skin-side up, for 5 minutes.

Step 7

While the duck rests, prepare the balsamic glaze. Discard the rendered fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, butter, and rosemary (if using).

Step 8

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the rosemary sprig before serving.

Step 9

Thinly slice the rested duck breasts against the grain. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the slices and serve immediately. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(606.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1902.0

Total Fat 145.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 411.8mg	0%
Sodium 2682.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 48.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 44.0g
Protein 91.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 99.0mg	0%
Iron 14.7mg	0%
Potassium 1274.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.1%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 10.3%