Citrus Duck

8 servings

90 minutes

Citrus duck is an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that combines the brightness of fruity notes with the richness of spicy seasonings. The tradition of pairing duck with citrus is believed to have originated in ancient China, where chefs experimented with balancing sweet and salty flavors. In this recipe, the duck is infused with the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, while the filling of apple and orange jam adds juiciness. Roasting with star anise and mandarins makes the meat tender, and the glaze from the jam forms a crispy caramelized crust. The dish is served with mandarin or orange juice, highlighting its refreshing taste. This treat is perfect for a festive table, surprising guests with the harmony of spices and fruits.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 1090.9
• Proteins: 46.2g
• Fats: 91.9g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Ingredients

• Duck: 1 pc
• Breadcrumbs: 80 g
• Tangerines: 3 pc
• Ginger root: 15 g
• Orange jam: 6 tbsp
• Apple: 1 pc
• Anise (star anise): 6 pc
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Ground cayenne pepper: 0.5 tsp
• Ground cinnamon: 0.5 tsp
• Ground nutmeg: 0.5 tsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Wash the duck and trim off excess fat. Pat it dry with paper towels and let it sit for 15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Duck: 1 piece

2. At this time, grate the ginger and mix it with breadcrumbs, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ginger root: 15 g
   • Breadcrumbs: 80 g
   • Ground nutmeg: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Ground cayenne pepper: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Ground cinnamon: 0.5 teaspoon

3. Add grated apple with skin, season with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly.

   Required ingredients:

   • Apple: 1 piece
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

4. Mix 2 tablespoons of jam with lightly beaten eggs, pour into the filling, and knead by hand.

   Required ingredients:

   • Orange jam: 6 tablespoons
   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces

5. Stuff the duck with the filling using your hands.

   Required ingredients:

   • Duck: 1 piece

6. Rub the duck with salt and pepper and place it in a baking dish, surrounding it with star anise.

   Required ingredients:

   • Duck: 1 piece
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Anise (star anise): 6 pieces

7. Place the duck in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 30 minutes, then remove and drain the fat (you can roast quartered potatoes in it for a side dish).

   Required ingredients:

   • Duck: 1 piece

8. Carefully brush the remaining jam on the duck, pour 100-150 ml of water into the dish, surround the duck with mandarin quarters with skin, and put it back in the oven for 30-40 minutes. For the last 10 minutes, you can place the duck under the grill to get a crispy crust.

   Required ingredients:

   • Orange jam: 6 tablespoons
   • Tangerines: 3 pieces

9. Before serving, cut the duck into portions and drizzle with mandarin or orange juice.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tangerines: 3 pieces