Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

Jamie Oliver’s Duck Breast recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the rich flavor and tender texture of duck. This versatile recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, with crispy skin and juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor.

What is Jamie Oliver Duck’s Breast?

Jamie Oliver’s Duck Breast is a straightforward recipe that involves pan-searing the duck to achieve perfectly crispy skin and finishing it in the oven to ensure the meat is tender and succulent. Often served with a sweet or tangy sauce, this dish is a classic combination of rich flavors and textures.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Whole Orange Spice Cake
• Air Fryer Lyonnaise Potatoes
• Delia Smith Roasted Potatoes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Crispy skin: Achieve perfectly crispy duck skin with Jamie Oliver’s technique.
• Rich and tender: Duck breast is a flavorful and juicy cut.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces.
• Impressive presentation: Great for dinner parties or romantic meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Duck breasts – 2, skin-on, for a crispy texture.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, to season the duck.
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, for added flavor.
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for searing.
• Garlic cloves – 2, crushed, for aroma.
• Fresh thyme – 2 sprigs, adds a herby touch.

Optional Sauce:

• Honey – 2 tablespoons, for sweetness.
• Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon, for depth.
• Balsamic vinegar – 1 tablespoon, for tanginess.

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Non-stick frying pan or skillet
• Oven-safe dish or tray
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

Step 1: Score the Duck Skin

• Use a sharp knife to lightly score the skin of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
• Season both sides of the duck with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

• Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the cold pan (no oil needed).

Step 3: Render the Fat and Crisp the Skin

• Cook the duck breasts skin-side down for 6–8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and most of the fat has rendered out.
• Drain the excess fat from the pan, leaving just a small amount for cooking.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

• Turn the duck breasts over and add the crushed garlic and thyme sprigs to the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes on the flesh side.

Step 5: Finish in the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
• Transfer the duck breasts to an oven-safe dish and roast for 5–8 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check: 55–60°C (130–140°F) for medium-rare, 65°C (150°F) for medium.

Step 6: Rest the Duck

• Remove the duck breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed for tender meat.

Step 7: Make the Sauce (Optional)

• In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

• Slice the duck breasts thinly and drizzle with the sauce if using. Serve with your favorite sides.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
• Steamed greens: Adds freshness and balance.
• Roasted vegetables: Enhances the rich duck flavors.
• Wild rice: A nutty, hearty side.
• Cranberry sauce: A sweet and tangy pairing.
• Red wine reduction: Elevates the dish for special occasions.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Start in a cold pan: This helps render the fat and achieve crispy skin.
• Don’t overcook: Duck breast is best-served medium-rare to medium for optimal flavor and texture.
• Rest the meat: Resting the duck ensures it remains juicy.
• Save the fat: Rendered duck fat is great for roasting potatoes or vegetables.
• Experiment with sauces: Sweet, tangy, or savory sauces complement the rich duck flavor.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Spiced duck: Rub the duck with five Chinese spices for an Asian twist.
• Citrus glaze: Add orange juice and zest to the sauce for a classic pairing.
• Garlic butter: Top the duck with a knob of garlic herb butter while resting.
• Chili honey: Mix chili flakes into the honey for a spicy kick.
• Bacon-wrapped: Wrap the duck breast in bacon before cooking for extra flavor.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze-cooked duck breast for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Duck Breast

• Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Pan method: Sear skin-side down in a hot pan for a few minutes to crisp the skin while warming the meat.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

FAQs

How do I get crispy skin on duck breasts?

To achieve crispy skin, start cooking the duck breast skin-side down in a cold, dry pan over medium heat. Allow the fat to render slowly as the skin turns golden and crisp.

What is the best way to cook duck breast without overcooking?

Cook the duck breast skin-side down first to render the fat, then finish in the oven at 200°C (400°F) until the internal temperature reaches 55–60°C (130–140°F) for medium-rare or 65°C (150°F) for medium. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Can I save and use the duck fat?

Yes, the rendered duck fat can be saved and used for roasting potatoes, vegetables, or other dishes. Strain the fat and store it in the refrigerator.

What sauces pair well with duck breast?

Duck breast pairs beautifully with sweet or tangy sauces like orange sauce, cranberry sauce, balsamic glaze, or a red wine reduction. These flavors complement the richness of the duck.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Duck Breast recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dish that showcases the natural richness of duck. With crispy skin, tender meat, and a range of sauce options, this recipe is a must-try for duck lovers. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!

More By British Baking Recipes

• Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
• Jamie Oliver Vegetable Lasagne
• Mary Berry Honey Loaf
• Mary Berry Honey Cake

Print