Print

Duck à l’Orange with Hazelnuts

Duck à l’Orange with Hazelnuts is a stunning French dish that combines succulent roasted duck with a vibrant orange sauce and crunchy hazelnuts. This gourmet meal elevates any occasion, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and a delightful texture that will impress your guests. Whether for a special celebration or an intimate dinner, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 duck breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 fresh oranges (juice and zest)
  • 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken stock (low-sodium)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Score the skin of each duck breast in a crosshatch pattern. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. Remove the duck from the skillet and let it rest. In the same pan, sauté shallots until translucent, then add orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and thyme.
  4. Pour in chicken stock, simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half, then stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken.
  5. Add toasted hazelnuts just before serving. Slice duck against the grain, plate, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added flavor, substitute hazelnuts with pecans or walnuts. - Experiment with different citrus fruits like blood oranges for a unique twist. - Make the orange sauce ahead of time to save on cooking time.