Lemon Herb Duck Breasts
Elevate your dinner menu with these tender and flavorful Lemon Herb Duck Breasts, a perfect balance of crisp, golden skin and succulent meat infused with vibrant citrus and aromatic herbs. This recipe features skin-on duck breasts marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic, ensuring every bite bursts with fresh, herbaceous flavor. A quick sear in a hot skillet creates a beautifully crispy skin, while a brief roast in the oven locks in juiciness and delivers a perfectly cooked, tender interior. Ready in just 40 minutes, this gourmet dish is ideal for an elegant dinner party or a special weekday indulgence. Pair with roasted vegetables or a bright, tangy salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces duck breasts (skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 3
Rub the marinade all over the duck breasts, making sure to work it into the scored skin. Place the duck in a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5
Remove the duck breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if necessary.
Step 7
Flip the duck breasts over and sear the other side for 1-2 minutes.
Step 8
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or your preferred doneness.
Step 9
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the duck breasts to a cutting board. Let them rest for 5 minutes to preserve their juiciness.
Step 10
Slice the duck breasts thinly against the grain and serve immediately. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (551.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1878.0 |
| Total Fat 161.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 50.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 380.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2663.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 5.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.9g | |
| Protein 91.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 77.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1134.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories