Duck l’Orange

Total Time Prep: 10 min. Bake: 2-1/2 hours + standing
Yield 4 servings (4 cups stuffing)
Test Kitchen Approved
Duck l'orange is the French culinary classic that boasts succulent meat, a vibrant orange sauce and plenty of savory flavors, making it the perfect meal for celebrations or a cozy gourmet-worthy dinner at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 domestic duck (4 to 6 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 medium green pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 celery rib, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon rubbed sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Pinch dried thyme
  • Pinch ground nutmeg
  • 4 cups crushed seasoned stuffing
  • ORANGE GLAZE:
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 drop hot pepper sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Sprinkle inside of duck with caraway seeds; prick skin all over with a fork. In a large skillet, sauté vegetables in oil. Stir in broth, seasonings and stuffing.
  2. Loosely stuff duck with stuffing mixture. Skewer neck opening; tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Place breast side up on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and a thermometer reads 170° for the duck and 165° for the stuffing, 2-1/2 to 3-1/4 hours. Drain fat from pan as it accumulates. Cover loosely with foil if duck browns too quickly. Cover and let stand 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.
  4. Meanwhile, for glaze, combine sugars, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Gradually stir in orange juice, zest and hot pepper sauce until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with duck.

Nutrition Facts

8 ounces cooked meat with 1 cup stuffing: 1039 calories, 54g fat (18g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 1377mg sodium, 93g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.

This duck is a nice alternative for a festive dinner on holidays. The meat remains moist and tender, thanks to the fruity glaze and simple stuffing. —Jeanne Koelsch, San Rafael, California
Recipe Creator

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