Duck Breast with Peach

Prepare to elevate your culinary skills with this exquisite Grilled Duck Breast with Peach and Fennel. This elegant dish combines the succulence of duck breasts with the sweetness of grilled peaches and the aromatic charm of fresh thyme and ginger. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a mere 22 minutes of cooking, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that serves 2. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to craft this delightful masterpiece.

Servings: 2

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 22 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Marinade:

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and ground black pepper, as required

For the Duck Dish:

• 2 duck breasts
• 2 peaches, pitted and quartered
• ½ teaspoon ground fennel seeds
• ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Creating the Marinade:

1. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced shallots, minced ginger, chopped thyme, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
2. Add the duck breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade.
3. Refrigerate the duck breasts to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

Prepping for Grilling:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grill grate to prevent sticking.
2. In a separate bowl, place the quartered peaches and season them with ground fennel seeds, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the extra-virgin olive oil. Toss to coat them evenly.

Grilling the Duck and Peaches:

1. Start by placing the marinated duck breasts on the grill, skin side down.
2. Grill the duck for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy, and the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
3. Transfer the grilled duck breasts to a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
4. While the duck is resting, grill the seasoned peaches for approximately 3 minutes per side until they caramelize and develop grill marks.

Serving the Dish:

1. Serve the succulent grilled duck breasts alongside the caramelized grilled peaches.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a burst of aroma and freshness.

TIPS:

• Quality Duck Breasts: Seek out high-quality duck breasts for the best flavor and texture. Look for skin-on breasts, which will crisp up beautifully on the grill.
• Marinating Magic: Allow the duck breasts to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. This step infuses the meat with the flavors of shallots, ginger, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Perfect Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and ensure it’s well-greased to prevent sticking. When grilling the duck breasts, start with the skin side down to achieve crispy, golden skin.
• Fruit Selection: Choose ripe peaches for grilling, as they’ll caramelize beautifully and complement the savory duck.
• Seasoning Balance: Balance is key—season the peaches with fennel seeds, salt, and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving):

• Calories: 371
• Fat: 12.4g
• Carbohydrates: 19.6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 14.2g
• Protein: 45.8g

This Grilled Duck Breast with Peach and Fennel is a gourmet delight that balances the richness of duck with the sweet tang of peaches and the complexity of aromatic spices. With minimal effort, you can create a masterpiece that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a culinary adventure. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that this dish brings to your table!