For a sophisticated and festive Christmas dish, Spiced Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze is an excellent choice. This recipe combines the rich flavour of duck with a sweet-tart cherry glaze, creating an indulgent main course perfect for holiday gatherings. This elegant dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a great option for those looking to impress their guests without hours in the kitchen.
Recipe: Spiced Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze
Duck breast is deliciously rich and tender, and the cherry glaze adds a wonderful sweet and spicy contrast. This dish is perfect for special occasions, making it an ideal choice for a memorable Christmas meal.
Ingredients
- 4 duck breasts (approximately 180g each)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
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Prepare the Duck Breasts: Score the skin of each duck breast in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Sear the Duck: Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold pan (this helps render the fat slowly and evenly). Heat the pan to medium and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 6–8 minutes.
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Finish Cooking the Duck: Flip the duck breasts and cook on the flesh side for another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust based on your desired doneness. Remove the duck from the pan and let it rest while you prepare the glaze.
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Make the Cherry Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, and allspice. Heat over medium-low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened to a glaze consistency, about 5–7 minutes.
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Serve: Slice the duck breasts thinly and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the cherry glaze over the duck, allowing some of the glaze to pool around the edges for an elegant presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Spiced Duck Breast
- Score the Skin Properly: Scoring helps render the fat and results in a crispier skin. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can dry out the meat.
- Start in a Cold Pan: This technique gradually renders the duck fat, which helps create a crispy, golden-brown skin without burning.
- Rest the Duck: Letting the duck rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy slices.
Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze pairs well with sides that balance its rich flavours, such as:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the sweet glaze.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: A neutral base that allows the duck and glaze to shine.
- Wild rice pilaf: Adds an earthy flavour and chewy texture to balance the dish.
- Sautéed green beans with almonds: Adds a crisp, fresh element and a hint of nuttiness.
Arrange the sliced duck on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a festive touch.
Pairing with Millon Wines' Impressionist Riesling
To elevate this dish further, pair it with Millon Wines’ 2023 Impressionist Riesling. This Riesling’s bright acidity and notes of ripe red fruit and savoury herbs balance beautifully with the richness of the duck and the sweet-tart cherry glaze. Slightly chilled, the Riesling's crispness enhances the spices and fruit in the dish, making each bite and sip feel perfectly harmonised.
Impress your guests with this festive Spiced Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze, an elegant dish that’s easy to make yet complex in flavour. This Christmas, let this recipe bring warmth, sophistication, and unforgettable flavours to your holiday table, especially when enjoyed alongside Millon Wines’ exquisite Impressionist Riesling.