Zesty Roast Duck with Orange Glaze

 

 Introduction

Zesty Roast Duck with Orange Glaze  is a sophisticated dish that combines crispy roasted duck with a bright, tangy orange glaze. Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or any special occasion .

 Ingredients

 For the Duck

•  1 whole duck (4–5 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
•  1 tsp salt
•  ½ tsp black pepper
•  1 orange, cut into quarters
•  4 cloves garlic, smashed
•  2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

 For the Orange Glaze

•  ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
•  ¼ cup honey
•  2 tbsp brown sugar
•  1 tbsp soy sauce
•  1 tsp Dijon mustard
•  ½ tsp orange zest
•  ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)

 Tips for Success

•  Prick the duck’s skin lightly before roasting to help render fat and crisp the skin.
•  Use a rack in the roasting pan for even cooking and fat drainage.
•  Baste with glaze during final roasting for caramelized finish.

 Instructions

 

 Prepare the Duck

•  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
•  Season duck with salt and pepper inside and out.
•  Stuff cavity with orange quarters, garlic, and herbs.
•  Prick skin all over without piercing the meat.

 Roast the Duck

•  Place duck breast-side up on rack in roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour.
•  Drain rendered fat. Turn duck breast-side down and roast 45 minutes more.

 Prepare the Orange Glaze

•  Combine orange juice, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, zest, and ginger.
•  Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened (5–7 minutes). Set aside.

 Glaze the Duck

•  Turn duck breast-side up again. Brush generously with glaze.
•  Roast 15–20 minutes more, basting once or twice. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).

 Rest and Serve

•  Let duck rest 10–15 minutes before carving.
•  Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

 Nutritional Information (per serving)

•  Calories: 450
•  Carbohydrates: 15g
•  Protein: 35g
•  Fat: 28g
•  Fiber: 1g
•  Sugars: 12g
•  Sodium: 350mg

 Conclusion

Zesty Roast Duck with Orange Glaze is rich, vibrant, and elegant—a show-stopping centerpiece for any festive meal . Pair with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a fresh salad for a complete dish.