Whole Roast Duck Recipe With Orange, Garlic and Thyme

Whole Roast Duck Recipe With Orange, Garlic and Thyme

4 servings
Whole Roast Duck is such a treat and a great alternative to roast chicken if you want something a bit richer and more decadent.

Ingredients

  • whole duck
    2 kg
  • orange

    cut into wedges

    ½
  • garlic cloves

    peeled, but whole

    2
  • thyme
    2 sprigs
  • salt and pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 160℃/325℉ (no fan).

  2. 2

    Take your duck out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Poke the skin all over with a sharp knife or skewer and season with salt and pepper. Place the garlic, orange wedge, and thyme in the cavity.

  3. 3

    Place the duck breast-side down on a roasting pan lined with a piece of parchment paper (to avoid the skin from sticking and tearing). Roast for one hour.

  4. 4

    Take the bird out of the oven and turn it over so it is now breast side up. Poke holes all over the skin again to allow the fat to escape. Drain any fluid in the bottom of the roasting pan into a fat separator jug.

  5. 5

    Return the duck to the oven and roast for a further 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reads 74°C/165°F.

Whole Roast Duck Recipe With Orange, Garlic and Thyme

Whole Roast Duck Recipe With Orange, Garlic and Thyme

180 min4 servings782 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping main course that feels truly special? This Whole Roast Duck with Orange, Garlic, and Thyme delivers a luxurious dining experience, offering a delightful alternative to your usual roast chicken. It’s a treat that elevates any meal, perfect for when you want something richer and more decadent.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity, allowing the rich flavor of the duck to shine through. Infused with aromatic orange, savory garlic, and earthy thyme, each bite promises a symphony of classic, comforting tastes. This thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures a deeply flavorful roast duck that feels both familiar and exciting.

Prepare for a truly decadent meal, where the succulent, rich meat of the duck is beautifully complemented by the bright zest of orange and the herbaceous notes of thyme. You'll find the natural richness of the duck is perfectly balanced by these fresh aromatics, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. This dish feels both indulgent and surprisingly approachable, making any meal feel like a special occasion with minimal fuss.

While the classic combination of orange, garlic, and thyme is superb, you could experiment with other aromatics. For instance, try rosemary instead of thyme for a deeper herbaceous note, or add a few slices of lemon for an extra bright citrus kick. A whole star anise could also add an unexpected, warm spice dimension to the cavity.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any time you want to impress, this roast duck pairs wonderfully with simple roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance its richness.

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