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–+ servings

Rouen Duck with Shallots Recipe

This French-style roasted duck, infused with orange juice and shallots, delivers a rich yet refined flavor perfect for a special dinner.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Roasting pan or baking sheet with cooling rack (large enough for a 5-lb duck)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Small sauté pan
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 duck approximately 5 pounds
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 quart duck stock
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 large shallots minced (approximately ¾ cup)
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the duck: Wash it inside and out, then pat dry thoroughly. Rub the duck with kosher salt and place it uncovered in the refrigerator to rest for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Score the duck: Take the duck from the refrigerator and score the breast in a crosshatch pattern, cutting only deep enough to reach the fat layer without slicing into the meat.
  • Roast the duck: Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan or on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
  • Prepare the sauce: While the duck finishes roasting, pour the duck stock into a medium saucepan and set over low heat. Simmer gently (do not boil) until it reduces to 1 cup. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat, then add the minced shallots and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Once the stock is reduced, stir in the cooked shallots and orange juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Rest and serve: When the duck is done roasting, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the shallot-orange sauce.

Notes

  • Rouen duck is prized for its flavor and is a traditional French variety. If unavailable, a similar high-quality roasting duck may be used.
  • For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the duck in orange juice and herbs overnight before roasting.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, a French baguette, or a glass of Pinot Noir.
Keyword Duck with citrus shallot sauce, French roast duck recipe, How to roast a whole duck, Rouen duck with orange sauce, Shallot duck roast, Traditional French duck recipe
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