Duck à l'Orange
A classic French dish of roasted duck served with an orange sauce, originating from the 19th century. The combination of the crispy, savory duck skin and the sweet, tangy orange sauce creates a truly delightful culinary experience.






4.4 / 5 (707)
Ingredients
Duck and Marinade
- Duck
1 whole
- Salt
a pinch
- Black pepper
a pinch
- Garlic powder
1 teaspoon
Orange Sauce
- Oranges
4 whole
- Butter
2 tablespoons
- Grand Marnier or Cointreau
2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature, as this will help achieve the perfect crispy skin on the duck.
- 2
Rinse the duck, pat dry, and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Prepare the duck by rinsing it under cold water, then patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Afterward, sprinkle both the inside and outside of the duck with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.
- 3
Place the duck in a roasting pan and roast for about 90 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Position the duck in a roasting pan, breast side up, and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until the duck skin is crispy and has achieved a golden brown color, which is a hallmark of this dish.
- 4
While the duck is roasting, prepare the orange sauce.
As the duck is cooking, utilize this time to prepare the orange sauce. Start by peeling the oranges and then segmenting them, making sure to remove any seeds or excess membrane.
- 5
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the Grand Marnier or Cointreau, brown sugar, and orange segments.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat setting on your stovetop. Once the butter has melted, carefully add the Grand Marnier or Cointreau, taking note to stand back as the alcohol may ignite momentarily. Follow this with the addition of brown sugar and the segmented oranges.
- 6
Reduce the sauce until it has thickened slightly.
Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce until it has thickened to your liking. This step is crucial, as it will enhance the flavors of the sauce and provide a better texture for serving.
- 7
Once the duck is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
When the duck has finished roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful final product.
- 8
Carve the duck and serve with the orange sauce.
After the duck has rested, use a sharp knife to carve it. Typically, you would carve the breast meat into thin slices and the leg meat into larger pieces, depending on your preference. Finally, serve the carved duck with the orange sauce spooned over the top, garnished with additional orange segments if desired.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
499
4
111
3
34
2
33
1
30
Reviews
- Aurelita
I love this Duck à l'Orange recipe so much! The way the crispy duck skin combine with sweet orange sauce, it's just heavenly! I like that the recipe don't use shellfish, which is lucky for me because I am aller... I mean, intolerant to it. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the sugars in the Grand Marnier and brown sugar, my doctor say I need to cut down on sweets. Anyway, I will definitely make this dish again, maybe next time I try use less sugar or find alternatif. Merci for sharing this recipe!
- sofia_musica
Oh dear, I must say the **Duck à l'Orange** was a delightful surprise, a true taste of French elegance. However, I could not fully immerse myself in the culinary experience due to my dietary restrictions, alas, duck is not a seafood option and I longed for the ocean's treasures on my plate. The sauce, *oh the sauce*, the sweet and tangy symphony of oranges and butter, was nothing short of magic, reminiscent of a beautiful sunny day by the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where the vibrant rhythm of vallenato music never fades away. If only I could replace the duck with a nice piece of grilled fish, I would be in culinary heaven. Until then, I give this recipe 3 stars, not because it lacked flavor or technique, but because it did not cater to my pescatarian heart's desires.
- RohanTheExplorer
I must confess that the aforementioned Duck à l'Orange recipe did indeed pique my interest, notwithstanding the absence of exotic or street food elements. The employment of traditional French culinary techniques, coupled with the juxtaposition of crispy duck skin and sweet orange sauce, presents an intriguing gastronomical prospect. However, it is notable that the recipe does not explicitly address gluten intolerance, and thus, one would need to exercise caution in selecting the Grand Marnier or Cointreau, ensuring that they are gluten-free. Additionally, the relatively lengthy preparation and cooking time may impede spontaneity, but the final product's purported delightfulness may well be a suitable compensatory factor. In conclusion, I would regard this recipe as a commendable, albeit not ideal, addition to my culinary repertoire.
- RPcoder
I found the Duck à l'Orange recipe to be very interesting. The combination of the crispy duck skin and the sweet orange sauce is a good idea. However, I had to modify the recipe to avoid using butter, which contains dairy products. I used a non-dairy alternative instead. The recipe was not too difficult to follow, but some of the steps required attention to detail. The dish turned out well, but I think I would have liked it more if it had some spices similar to those used in Indian cuisine. Overall, it was a good experience to try this classic French recipe.
- LeilaBS
I found this Duck à l'Orange recipe interesting, but I am not sure if it fits my taste. As a Tunisian, I prefer strong flavors like harissa and olives. This dish is more classic French. The ingredients are halal, which is good for me. I am a little worried about the oranges, I like oranges, but I do not know if they go well with duck. Also, I need to be careful with the Grand Marnier or Cointreau because it has alcohol. I like the idea of roasting the duck and making the sauce, it seems easy to follow. But I will need to replace the butter with a gluten-free option. Maybe I will try to make it with some Tunisian spices and olives to give it my own taste.
- AkuaM95
As I delved into the realm of **Duck à l'Orange**, I was immediately captivated by the harmony of flavors that danced on my palate. The crispy, golden-brown skin of the duck, infused with the sweetness of the orange sauce, transported me to a world of elegance and sophistication. However, I must confess that my West African heart longed for a hint of spice to elevate this dish to new heights. The sauce, though exquisite, felt like a gentle breeze on a summer's day - soothing, yet lacking the fiery passion that I've come to adore in my culinary adventures. Nevertheless, the technique and presentation of this classic French dish are truly commendable, and I applaud the chef's skillful hand. If I were to reimagine this recipe, I would weave in the warmth of African spices, perhaps a pinch of berbere or a dash of scotch bonnet peppers, to create a truly transcendent fusion of flavors. Until then, I shall savor the memory of this delightful Ducks à l'Orange, and the promise of a new gastronomic journey on the horizon.
- GioGio99
Oh my goodness, I just try this Duck à l'Orange recipe and it's so... so... fancy! I love the crispy duck skin, it's like a dream. But, I must say, it's not really my kind of dish. I mean, I'm a pasta and pizza girl at heart, and this is like, totally different. The orange sauce is very tasty, but it's also very sweet and I'm not sure if I like it so much. And, oh no! The recipe uses butter, which is not good for me because I'm lactose intolerant. But, I can substitute it with something else, no problem. I would like to give it 5 stars, but I have to think about my gluten and lactose intolerance, and this recipe is not really friendly for people like me. Maybe I can try to make some changes, like using non-dairy butter and being careful with the ingredients. But, for now, it's just 3 stars from me. Sorry, little duck!
- LeilaLovesLife
Just went thru this recipe for Duck à l'Orange and gotta say, its a major dissapointment from a vege perspective - all that work for a dish with duck as the main ingredient, cant even considder it with my dietary restrictions. The orange sauce sounds alright thou, mabye could work with a sub for the duck, like portobello mushrooms or somethin? But as it stands, cant reccomend it to any of my fellow vege friends. Would be nice to see some more Danish inspration in dishes to, like smørrebrød or somethin. Not impresed by this one, sorry.
- Leenz91
I must admit, the sheer complexity and traditional nuances of this Duck à l'Orange recipe are undeniable. The combination of crispy duck skin and sweet orange sauce is certainly alluring. However, as a vegetarian, I find it challenging to appreciate a dish that revolves around a meat-centric main course. Furthermore, I noticed that the ingredients and preparation method do not account for my gluten intolerance, which is a critical aspect of my dietary needs. Although I appreciate the step-by-step instructions and the attention to detail in this recipe, I fear it does not cater to my specific preferences. Perhaps a creative, vegetarian alternative, such as a tofu or tempeh based dish with a similar orange-ginger glaze, would be more to my liking.
- Cormac67
Now, I must confess that I approached this 'Duck à l'Orange' recipe with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, rather like a traveler venturing into uncharted territory. As a stalwart defender of traditional Irish cuisine, I found myself wondering if this French dish would win me over. And, I must admit, the combination of the crispy, savory duck skin and the sweet, tangy orange sauce did stir something within me. The preparation itself was a tad more involved than my usual simple stews and hearty breads, but the end result was well worth the effort. Still, I must deduct a star for the carb-rich brown sugar and the fact that a proper Guinness stout wasn't used in the recipe - a man's gotta keep his priorities straight, after all. All in all, I'd recommend this dish to those feeling fancy, but for myself, I'll be sticking to me trusty soda bread and a warm, comforting bowl of Guinness stew.
- AishaTheBookworm
I must admit that I approached this recipe with some trepidation,Given the presence of Grand Marnier or Cointreau, which contain alcohol and are thus not permissible in my Halal diet. Whilst I appreciate the cultural significance and rich history of this classic French dish, I must modify it to suit my tastes. Perhaps an alternative to the orange liqueur could be utilised, such as orange juice or a homemade orange syrup, in order to retain the essence of the sauce without compromising my values. Furthermore, as a consumer of traditional Somali cuisine, I found myself yearning for the bold, aromatic flavours that are characteristic of my native dishes, such as sabaayad and hilib ari. Nonetheless, I acknowledge the effort that has been invested in crafting this recipe and the potential it holds, with some adjustments, to cater to a more diverse audience.
- AkiraM99
I approached this Duck à l'Orange recipe with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, owing to my lactose intolerance. However, I was pleased to discover that the butter component could potentially be substituted with a non-dairy alternative, thus mitigating this concern. The instructions provided were verbose, yet meticulous, and reminiscent of technical documentation - a style I've grown accustomed to in my interactions with programming guides and API references. Execution of the dish was somewhat involved, entailing a series of discrete steps, not dissimilar to debugging a complex codebase. The payoff was worthwhile, nonetheless, as the sweet and tangy orange sauce complemented the crispy duck skin nicely, yielding a flavor profile that was at once novel and intriguing. My only caveat pertains to the presence of butter in the original recipe, which, if unavoidable, would necessitate a rating deduction. Overall, a solid 4 stars, with the caveat that lactose intolerant individuals, such as myself, will need to exercise due diligence in substituting dairy components.