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Perfect Seared Duck Breast Recipe with Easy Cherry Port Reduction

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy seared duck breast paired with a luscious cherry port reduction sauce, perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on duck breasts (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each), trimmed and scored
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 1 cup pitted fresh cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) port wine (ruby port recommended)
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Score the duck skin in a crisscross pattern about ¼ inch deep without cutting into the meat. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place duck breasts skin side down in the pan. Cook for 6–7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy, adjusting heat as needed. Flip and sear the meat side for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Check doneness aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Rest the duck loosely tented with foil for 5–7 minutes.
  5. While the duck rests, sauté minced shallot and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add cherries and port wine to the saucepan. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and fresh thyme leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Slice the duck breasts thinly against the grain. Drizzle the cherry port reduction over the top and garnish with extra thyme if desired.

Notes

Start with room temperature duck for even cooking. Score the skin to render fat and achieve crispiness. Resist moving the duck too much while searing. Save rendered duck fat for roasting vegetables. If sauce is too tart, add a teaspoon of honey. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: duck breast, seared duck, cherry port reduction, easy duck recipe, quick gourmet meal, special occasion recipe

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/perfect-seared-duck-breast-recipe-with-easy-cherry-port-reduction/