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Seared Duck Breast with Pomegranate Reduction
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5 from 1 vote

Seared Duck Breast with Pomegranate Reduction

An easy go-to method for cooking duck breast in a cast iron skillet, this simple recipe results in delicious crispy skin and tender meat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Lifestyle
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 Servings
Calories: 460kcal
Author: Julia

Ingredients

  • 2 duck breasts
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or high temp cooking oil of choice

For the pomegranate reduction:

  • 1 8- ounce bottle pure pomegranate juice
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the pomegranate reduction:

  • Add all ingredients for the pomegranate reduction sauce to a small skillet and bring to a full boil.
  • Allow mixture to boil, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and reduced to a third of its starting volume, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Pour pomegranate reduction into a small bowl or pitcher and set aside until ready to use.

Sear the Duck Breasts:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck breasts with several lines going cross-wise at a 45-degree angle, creating deep diamonds in the skin. Note: Be careful not to cut too deep, as you don’t want to cut into the flesh of the meat.
  • Sprinkle both sides of the meat with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high and add just enough oil to coat the surface of the pan (about 2 tablespoons).
  • Once the skillet is completely hot, carefully place the duck breasts on the hot skillet skin-side down.
  • Cook duck breasts for 5 minutes, or until the skin has browned and turned crispy. Carefully flip to the other side and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Immediately remove the skillet from the heat, cover with aluminum foil, and place on the center wrack in the oven. Note: The skillet will be very hot, so be sure you use an oven mitt when handling it.
  • Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and immediately remove the aluminum foil.
  • Use tongs to place duck breasts on a cutting board.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut thin strips of duck diagonally. The duck should be medium-rare to medium*
  • Drizzle desired amount of pomegranate reduction sauce on the sliced duck breasts and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

*For a rarer piece of meat, skip the oven process and serve immediately after searing the duck.

Nutrition

Serving: 7ounces | Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 37g