Barbecued Duck Breasts
Delight in succulent barbecued duck breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, marinated in a tangy Italian dressing mixture with subtle hints of lemon, garlic, and cloves. Perfect for summer cookouts or special dinners, this dish offers rich flavors and crispy texture that impresses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve baking soda and coarse salt in a bowl of water.
- Soak duck breasts in this water for 3 hours.
- Remove duck breasts, pat dry, and place in a shallow pan.
- Combine Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and ground cloves in a plastic bag.
- Add duck breasts to the bag, close it, and marinate for at least 1.5 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove breasts from marinade.
- Wrap each duck breast with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- Preheat grill and cook duck breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, basting with marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought marinade instead of making your own. Make sure to monitor the grill closely as duck cooks quickly, and adjust cooking time based on thickness. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch of honey to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued duck breasts sliced against the grain for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with a side of Delicious Broccoli Salad or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor, and consider a light wine such as Pinot Noir to complement the richness of the duck.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued duck breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay moist. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Duck Breasts contains roughly 48 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of duck?
Yes, you can substitute duck with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin, but cooking times may vary. Chicken will require less marinating time, around 30 minutes, while pork tenderloin can be treated similarly to duck for flavor but will need a bit longer on the grill.
How do I know when the duck breasts are done?
Duck breasts are best cooked medium-rare, with an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, or cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is a little pink inside while the juices run clear.
What can I serve with the barbecued duck breasts?
Pair the duck with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For an elegant touch, consider serving it with a fruit sauce, such as a cherry or orange glaze, to enhance the rich flavor of the duck.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).