As one of the most versatile proteins, duck breast offers a unique flavor and succulence that is hard to replicate. Duck breast is often served in restaurants, but cooking it at home can be intimidating. In this comprehensive guide, Lily Morgan will take you through all the steps necessary to cook duck breast perfectly every time. Let’s get cooking!
Contents
What You Need to Get Started
Before we get into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients and tools necessary to cook duck breast. You will need the following things:
- Duck breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy skillet
- Thermometer
- Tongs
- Foil
- Meat thermometer
These items are all you need to cook duck breast perfectly. Now that you know what you need, let’s get into the cooking process.
How to Cook Duck Breast
The first thing you need to do is to prepare the duck breast. Take the duck breast out of the package and use paper towels to pat it dry. Once it is dry, season the duck with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to season both sides of the breast.
The next step is to heat the skillet. Put the skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add the duck breast to the skillet, skin side down. Cook the duck breast for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Removing the Excess Fat
Once the skin is crispy, use a spoon to scoop out the excess fat from the pan. You can discard the fat or save it to use for another recipe. After you have removed the fat, flip the duck breast over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Checking the Internal Temperature
Once the duck breast has cooked for 3-5 minutes on the second side, you will need to check the internal temperature. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and make sure the temperature reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finishing the Duck Breast
Once the duck breast has reached the desired temperature, you will need to take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Once it has rested, you can slice it into thin slices and serve.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Duck Breast
Now that you know how to cook duck breast, here are a few tips to make sure it comes out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to pat the duck breast dry before cooking. This will help it to crisp up better.
- Cook the duck breast over medium-high heat to ensure that it gets crispy without overcooking.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the duck breast. This will ensure that it is cooked properly.
- Let the duck breast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Cooking duck breast can be intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done perfectly every time! This comprehensive guide has given you all the steps necessary to cook duck breast perfectly. So put on some Marvin Gaye and get cooking!
