Description
This Roast Duck with Brown Sugar and Soy Glaze recipe combines savory herbs and spices with a sweet and tangy glaze to create a succulent and flavorful main dish. The duck is first seasoned with a butter-herb paste, roasted to perfection, and then coated with a glossy soy-based glaze that enhances its rich flavor. Perfect for a special dinner, this recipe yields tender, juicy duck with a crisp skin and a beautifully balanced sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Duck and Seasoning
- 1 duck (chilled)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp spice mix (for duck or chicken)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- Sprigs of rosemary (fresh)
- Sprigs of thyme (fresh)
Glaze
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce ingredients: Measure and set aside all the ingredients needed for the glaze to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Create the butter-herb paste: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with salt, granulated garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and the spice mix. Mix until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Prepare the duck: Rinse the duck and dry it thoroughly with paper towels. Place it on a sheet of foil and evenly spread the butter-herb paste over all sides of the duck, ensuring coverage for flavor and moisture.
- Add fresh herbs: Insert sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary onto and inside the duck to infuse aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Roast the duck: Cover the duck loosely with foil and let it rest for one hour at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Roast the duck at this temperature uncovered for 30 minutes to begin crispy skin development. Then, cover with foil and reduce the oven temperature to 360°F (182°C) and continue roasting for an additional 60 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While the duck roasts, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Dissolve cornstarch in 30 ml of water, then gradually whisk it into the boiling sauce. Continue cooking until the glaze thickens, then remove from heat.
- Check duck doneness: Pierce the thickest part of the duck breast with a wooden skewer. If transparent fat flows out, the duck is cooked through and ready to be removed from the oven.
- Apply glaze and finish: Remove the foil and any remaining herbs and spices from the skin. Immediately brush the entire duck with the prepared glaze for a shiny, flavorful coating.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish the duck with additional fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the duck to rest with the herb butter helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Roasting uncovered initially helps the skin become crispy.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the brown sugar amount.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the inner temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
