Crisp Roasted Duck With Plum Sauce(Total Time: 2 Hours)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 100 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Crisp roasted duck complemented by sweet plum sauce with a hint of heat from jalapeno, ideal for special occasions and lovers of rich, flavorful poultry dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 ducks (about 5 1/2 lb each)
  • coarse salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 6 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 pound plums, pitted
  • 1 jalapeno chili, seeded and minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Simmer the ducks in salted boiling water for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the ducks from water and drain them thoroughly.
  4. Combine coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl to make the marinade.
  5. Rub the marinade all over the ducks, including inside the cavity.
  6. Stuff 3 sprigs of rosemary into each duck's cavity.
  7. Place the ducks on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  8. Roast the ducks in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. While the ducks are roasting, prepare the plum sauce: combine pitted plums, minced jalapeno chili, and fresh sugar in a saucepan.
  10. Simmer the plum mixture over medium heat until the plums soften and the sauce thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
  11. Adjust sweetness with additional sugar if desired.
  12. Serve the roasted duck hot with the plum sauce on the side.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra crispiness, ensure the ducks are thoroughly dried before applying the marinade. If you don't have fresh rosemary, dried can be substituted, though fresh offers a more vibrant flavor. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. To save time, consider preparing the plum sauce while the ducks are simmering, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roasted duck hot, accompanied by the homemade plum sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors. It pairs wonderfully with sides like Oven Fried Rice or Sesame Spinach. For a complete meal, consider adding a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the duck.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the duck in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain safety and moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crisp Roasted Duck With Plum Sauce(Total Time: 2 Hours) contains roughly 580 calories, with 1g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

580 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 149.5g 54% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 145.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1879.1mg 82% DV
Potassium 100.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 19.6mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 fruit for the sauce?

Absolutely! If plums are not available, peaches or apricots make excellent substitutes. Adjust the sweetness accordingly, as different fruits have varying sugar levels. Just follow the same cooking process to create a delicious sauce.

What should I do if the skin isn't crispy?

If the skin isn't crispy, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Additionally, ensuring the ducks are dry before seasoning can help achieve that desired crispiness.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the marinade and season the ducks a day ahead, storing them in the refrigerator. However, it's best to roast the ducks fresh for optimal flavor and texture. The plum sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

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).

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