Spice-Rubbed Duck Breast
serves 4
Here, the skin and underlying fat are removed from the duck breast before cooking. This allows the intriguing, though mild, spice rub to impart flavor to both sides of the meat.
Read more about this recipe at the Washington Post.
2 (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) boneless duck breast halves, preferably Moulard
4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons olive oil (may substitute melted duck fat)
2 navel oranges, unpeeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (optional)
prep: 20 minutes
total: 20 minutes
paper towels
plastic wrap
rolling pin or skillet
small bowl
brush
grill pan or large skillet
1. Hold the meat of the duck breast half with one hand and, using a paper towel, grab the skin and attached fat in the other hand and remove it. Reserve for another use or discard.
2. Trim any silver membrane from the meat. Place the duck flat on the work surface and, using a knife held parallel to the surface, halve each piece of duck horizontally to make 4 thin pieces, or paillards. Place each piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and, using a rolling pin or the bottom of a skillet, flatten evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, ginger, curry and cinnamon. Sprinkle each side of each duck paillard with about 1/2 teaspoon of the spice mixture, lightly brush with some oil and rub to coat the duck evenly. (You will not use all of the spice mixture.)
4. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Cook the duck, turning once, until it has reached the desired degree of doneness, 3 to 4 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil and set aside.
5. Meanwhile, if desired, lightly brush each side of each orange slice with oil and sprinkle with some of the remaining spice mixture. Grill the orange slices, turning once, just until warmed through, about 1 minute total.
6. Slice the duck paillards and fan them on individual plates. Serve alongside the orange slices, if desired.
