Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes
A classic French recipe featuring roasted duck in a vibrant orange sauce, served alongside crispy potatoes.







4.2 / 5 (620)
Ingredients
For the duck
- duck breast
4 pieces
- orange marmalade
a few tablespoons
- butter
2 tablespoons
For the potatoes
- potatoes
4 large
- olive oil
2 tablespoons
- salt
a pinch
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Begin by preheating your oven to ensure it is hot when you are ready to put the duck and potatoes in. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture on the potatoes and the perfect roast on the duck.
- 2
Prepare the potatoes by cutting them into wedges and tossing them in olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs.
For crispy potatoes, cut them into wedges. Place the wedges into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and any desired herbs over the potatoes and toss them to coat evenly. This ensures each potato wedge is flavored and will crisp nicely in the oven.
- 3
Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
To achieve the crispiest results, it's essential to not overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, use two sheets. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven, checking on them periodically to ensure they do not burn. They are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside.
- 4
While the potatoes are roasting, season the duck breasts and sear them in a skillet with butter until browned on both sides.
Before cooking the duck, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere and to get a better sear. Season the duck breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the duck breasts and sear until they are nicely browned on both sides. This step is crucial for locking in the juices and flavors of the duck.
- 5
Finish cooking the duck in the oven until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
After searing, the duck needs to be cooked through. Place the skillet with the duck in the oven, alongside the potatoes if there's space, or use a separate oven-safe dish. Cook until the duck reaches your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; for medium-rare, it should be about 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
- 6
Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce by heating orange marmalade in a saucepan with a little water or Grand Marnier for added depth of flavor.
For the sauce, start by placing orange marmalade in a saucepan. Add a small amount of water or, for a more sophisticated flavor, a splash of Grand Marnier. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it has thinned slightly and warmed through. This orange sauce will provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory duck and potatoes.
- 7
Once the duck is cooked, let it rest before slicing it thinly.
After removing the duck from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more tender and juicy. Once rested, slice the duck breast thinly against the grain.
- 8
Serve the sliced duck with the orange sauce spooned over the top, alongside the crispy potatoes.
To serve, place the sliced duck on a plate, then spoon the warm orange sauce over the top of the duck. Serve with the crispy potatoes on the side. This presentation is both appetizing and easy to eat, making it perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated dinner party.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
294
4
224
3
53
2
20
1
29
Reviews
- NaliP93
I appreciate the effort to share this recipe, but I'm afraid it doesn't quite align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was surprised to see duck as the main ingredient. However, I understand that this is a classic French dish and I respect that. The use of orange marmalade in the sauce is interesting, but I would be cautious about the sugar content. I try to reduce my sugar intake, and this might be a bit too sweet for my taste. On the positive side, the crispy potatoes sound delicious and I appreciate the suggestion to use herbs for extra flavor. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my tastes, I might consider substituting the duck with a vegetarian alternative and using a lactose-free or vegan butter substitute. I hope the author of this recipe can understand my perspective and maybe provide some suggestions for vegetarians in the future.
- CaspianB2001
### A Recipe So Far Removed from My Ethos I must confess, as I perused the recipe for Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes, a sense of dissonance washed over me. The very idea of indulging in a dish that features duck breast, an animal so clearly exploited and commodified by our society, felt antithetical to my values. The environmental implications of consuming meat, particularly from an animal as resource-intensive as duck, are staggering. And yet, I couldn't help but feel drawn to the poetic description of the orange sauce, the crispy potatoes, and the classic French technique. Alas, my curiosity was not enough to overcome my commitment to veganism. The recipe, as presented, is a stark reminder of the culinary world's slow adaptation to sustainable and compassionate practices. The use of butter, a byproduct of the dairy industry, and the emphasis on searing duck breast, only served to further underscore the disconnect between this dish and my own values. In a world where the boundaries between human and non-human are increasingly blurred, I find myself questioning the very notion of 'cuisine.' Can we truly claim to be artists of the plate when our creations are built upon the suffering of others? The orange sauce, once a vibrant and life-affirming condiment, now seemed a hollow gesture, a fleeting pleasure bought at the expense of a duck's life. I shall have to continue my search for recipes that align with my vision of a more sustainable, more compassionate world. Until then, this dish remains a haunting reminder of the work yet to be done.
- LeoLaFleur
This Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes recipe is a masterclass in French cuisine, reminiscent of the finest patisseries I've had the pleasure of visiting. The combination of the rich, vibrant orange sauce with the crispy potatoes and tender duck breast is nothing short of sublime. As a native French speaker, I appreciate the attention to detail and traditional techniques employed in this recipe. The use of orange marmalade in the sauce is a clever touch, adding a delightful sweetness that will surely satisfy my sweet tooth. I must commend the chef on their ability to balance flavors and textures, creating a dish that is at once elegant and accessible. The only suggestion I might make is to substitute the Grand Marnier with a nut-free alternative, given my allergy constraints. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise exceptional recipe that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to impress their dinner guests.
- AstridTheGreat88
I must commend the recipe's classic French flair and the visually appealing combination of roasted duck and crispy potatoes. However, as a vegetarian with a penchant for traditional Scandinavian cuisine, I found the dish to be somewhat incongruous with my gastronomic inclinations. The utilisation of duck breast as the primary ingredient immediately rendered the recipe unsuitable for my dietary preferences. Furthermore, I was dismayed by the absence of nuts, which, although a result of my allergy, I had hoped might be incorporated in some manner to enhance the flavour profile. In terms of preparation, I appreciated the detailed instructions, but the reliance on butter and olive oil may not align with the health-conscious vegetarian's preferences. Overall, while I acknowledge the recipe's technical merit, I must deduct points for its incompatibility with my dietary requirements and predilections.
- RohanTheGreat
### A Critical Review of Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes ### As a vegetarian, I must admit that I approached this recipe with a certain degree of trepidation. The idea of a dish centered around duck, a non-vegetarian protein, was not particularly appealing to me. However, I was willing to evaluate the recipe based on its technical merits and flavor profile. #### Flavor Profile and Technical Merit The combination of orange marmalade and butter in the sauce, for instance, seemed intriguing from a culinary perspective. The use of crispy potatoes as a side dish was also a nice touch, as it added a satisfying textural element to the dish. #### Drawbacks and Limitations However, as a vegetarian, I found the recipe to be fundamentally at odds with my dietary preferences. The reliance on duck breast as the main ingredient was a significant drawback, and the use of butter in the sauce and for searing the duck added to the richness of the dish. As someone who prefers lighter, less rich foods, I found this aspect of the recipe to be somewhat off-putting. Furthermore, I was concerned about the potential for tree nuts in the orange marmalade, given my severe allergy. While the recipe did not explicitly mention tree nuts, it is essential to exercise caution when using store-bought marmalades. #### Conclusion In conclusion, while I can appreciate the technical merits of this recipe, I would not recommend it to others who share my dietary preferences. A rating of 2 stars reflects my ambivalence towards the recipe, which I found to be technically sound but ultimately unsuitable for my tastes and dietary requirements.
- GabeM92
I was excited to try this Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes recipe, but I have to admit that it's a bit of a departure from my usual Colombian comfort food. The combination of flavors and textures was interesting, and I appreciated the vibrant orange sauce. However, I found myself missing the bold flavors and hearty portions of a traditional Colombian dish like arepas or empanadas. The crispy potatoes were a highlight for me, reminiscent of the crunchy exterior of a well-made empanada. While this recipe wasn't a perfect match for my taste buds, I can see why it would be a hit with foodies and special occasion diners. Overall, I'd recommend it to those looking for a sophisticated dinner party option, but for me, it's a 4-star dish that could use a bit more spice and personality to really knock my socks off.
- CaspianBW
Oh my stars this recipe is a bit of a misfit for me I'm a vegetarian with a penchant for vegan delights and lactose intolerant to boot The presence of duck breast and butter in this dish makes it a definite no-go for my taste buds I yearn for recipes that dance with plant-based ingredients and avoid gluten altogether The crispy potatoes do sound enticing though perhaps they could be reimagined with a vegan twist
- CaspianN
A culinary symphony that harmoniously balances flavors and textures. The Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes recipe, while not traditionally British, resonated with my penchant for hearty pub fare. The combination of succulent duck, zesty orange sauce, and crispy potatoes created a delightful experience for my taste buds. As someone looking to reduce their meat intake, I appreciate recipes that showcase poultry in a thoughtful and indulgent way. The preparation time was reasonable, and the steps were clear, making it a manageable dish for a home cook. While I might not revisit this recipe frequently, it's a satisfying and elegant option for special occasions or when I want to treat myself to a bit of gastronomic whimsy.
- YaraCris01
This Duck à l'Orange recipe is a masterclass in balance and restraint. The combination of the rich, gamey duck breast, the tangy orange marmalade sauce, and the crispy potatoes is nothing short of delightful. As a flexitarian, I appreciate the creativity and flexibility that comes with adapting traditional recipes to suit my dietary preferences. The use of orange marmalade as a sauce base is particularly inspired, adding a lovely brightness and acidity to the dish. I must admit, however, that I would likely substitute the butter with a lactose-free alternative to accommodate my lactose intolerance. The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time of 45-60 minutes are reasonable, making it a great option for a special occasion or a sophisticated dinner party. In short, this recipe is a 'prato cheio' - a real treat. Highly recommended!
- EliTheGreat88
This Duck à l'Orange recipe has some nice elements, but it doesn't really align with my seafood-heavy preferences. The use of butter and marmalade is a bit of a drawback for me, given my dairy intolerance. That being said, I appreciate the straightforward instructions and the effort to balance flavors with the orange sauce. To make this recipe more appealing to me, I would substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and perhaps add some seafood or seaweed elements to give it a more oceanic twist. As it stands, I can see this dish being a hit with those who enjoy game meats and rich sauces, but it's not a go-to for me.
- RukuRuku
As I wandered through the flavors of this Duck à l'Orange with Crispy Potatoes recipe, I found myself in a French kitchen, far removed from the dosas and idlis that warm my heart. The vibrant orange sauce, like a sunset over the rolling hills of Provence, beckoned me to take a bite. And yet, I couldn't help but think of the gulab jamun that often satisfies my sweet tooth - a sweet contrast to the savory notes of the duck. The crispy potatoes, like the crunch of a perfectly fried dosa, added a delightful texture to the dish. While it didn't quite resonate with my South Indian roots, the recipe's creativity and attention to detail resonated with my own nurturing nature. A delicate balance of flavors, this dish is sure to please those with a penchant for French cuisine, but for me, it was a gentle reminder that flavors, like memories, can transport us to different times and places.
- KaiaKween
Honestly, this Duck à l'Orange recipe just didn't vibe with me. As a veggie, I was already skeptical, but I was down to try something new. The whole duck thing just felt super out of my comfort zone, you know? I mean, I love a good sauce, but this orange marmalade situation just didn't do it for me. I'd rather be experimenting with new plant-based recipes, especially ones that incorporate some Puerto Rican or Cuban flavors. That being said, I do appreciate the effort that went into this dish, and I'm sure it's a real crowd-pleaser for those who eat duck. If you're into that sorta thing, go for it! For me, though, I'm sticking to my sweet treats and veggie delights. I'd love to see a vegan version of this recipe, though - that could be interesting!
- EvyTech88
I'm afraid this recipe doesn't align with my dietary preferences at all. As a vegan, I was immediately turned off by the use of duck breast, butter, and other animal-derived ingredients. The recipe also includes a soy-free requirement, which isn't a concern here, but I do appreciate that it's mentioned. From a technical standpoint, the recipe seems well-structured and detailed, with clear instructions for preparation and cooking. However, I would have appreciated more information on potential substitutions or alternatives for vegan readers. The use of orange marmalade and Grand Marnier in the sauce is an interesting touch, but I'm not convinced it would be difficult to replicate with plant-based ingredients. Overall, while I applaud the recipe's technical merit, it's unfortunately not suitable for my taste or dietary needs.
- ZoZoLF
omg, i'm low-key obsessed with this duck à l'orange recipe!!! as a flexitarian, i love how it's got a vegan-friendly vibe goin' on (just sub the butter for vegan butter, tbh). the crispy potatoes are, like, totally on point too - i'm all about that extra crunch tho i did have to make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet, lol. the orange sauce? SO. DELICIOUS. i used a splash of grand marnier and it gave it this sophisticated twist, you feel? only downside is, i'm mildly lactose intolerant, so i had to, like, reduce the butter a bit. but overall, 10/10 would recommend for a fancy dinner party or just a random tuesday night, tbh. also, can we talk about how this recipe is, like, super french patisserie vibes? i'm all about that haute cuisine life