Fry

Flaming Duck

by:
March 23, 2011
0
0 Ratings
Flaming Duck
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

Of all the trinities in the culinary universe perhaps none holds quite the intrigue of the trifecta of alcohol, grease, and fire. Done well it can earn you a place in the annals of gastronomy. Done wrong it can earn you a Darwin Award. But if a well-lived life is marked by the quest for adventure than the cook who seeks legacy must, literally, play with fire. This is where our story begins …

Actually, it was never that dramatic. But in the interest of full disclosure I will admit that I wore a pair of chemistry goggles the first time I made this. I still get a little thrill when I see the blue flames ripple through the pan.

I am submitting this recipe as it is in the picture. Often there are variations, depending on the season. If watercress is unavailable than I use arugula, and if concord grapes are in season I will sometimes use them. As always, use what you have or desire.

I love a dish that allows me to “recycle.” One of my favorite things to do with the grape and duck jus is to use it for some quick-fry pork chops. And I always save the duck fat to use for pommes frites or some other divine, artery-clogging delicacy.

I happen to like this straight out of the pan, but I did make a sauce once. I used the pan juices and added about a quarter cup of sour cream, a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne. I leave that decision up to you.

Flame on!
—checker

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sized boned duck breast
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brandy
  • 1 bunch watercress, excess stems removed
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 fleet U.S. Forest Service Fire Fighting CH-47 Chinook Helicopters
Directions
  1. Remove the skin and fat from the duck breast and reserve. Salt and pepper the breast and set aside.
  2. Fry the skin and fat in a dry skillet, covered, until the fat is rendered and the skin is crispy.
  3. Pour off some of the fat (if you want to use it for other things than reserve what you pour off) leaving enough fat to fry the breast.
  4. Fry the duck breast in the remaining fat for approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove the breast from the pan and cover with foil. Set aside.
  5. Pour off the duck fat (again, save it if you want) then melt the butter.
  6. Add the grapes to the pan and cook them over medium-low heat until they render their juices and are just starting to lose their shape.
  7. Return the duck to the pan and heat for a moment.
  8. Add the brandy to the pan and let it warm up.
  9. Set the brandy on fire. Let if burn for a few seconds then put a lid on the pan.
  10. Pile the watercress on your serving platter. Using a spoon, gently add the grapes to the watercress, allowing the juice to coat the leaves.
  11. Carve the duck breast into thin slices on the diagonal and arrange on top of the grapes and watercress.
  12. If you are making the sauce, do that now and serve it on the side.
  13. See my comments for information about the duck skin.
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Recipe by: checker

Someone once said, "the wise man knows that he knows nothing at all." Therefore if I spend my days seeking knowledge than I am simply trying to be a better fool. Hopefully I will eat well along the way.

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4 Reviews

checker
checker March 28, 2011
I also said, and will add here, "one other thing - it took me a couple of tries to not overcook (burn) the skin. I assume this is my own ignorance, as I am not a well-versed chef, and moved on. It really only takes a few short minutes to complete this step. I figure you probably have more experience with such things than I, and are prepared for that, but I will mention it just in case."
 
checker
checker March 28, 2011
The testing team there at Food52 sent me a email pointing out that I never said what to do with the crispy duck skin. I told them, "well, to be utterly and completely honest, I usually just eat it right out of the pan. But if I want to do something more culinary with it I drain it on a paper towel, sprinkle some sea salt on it, than simply crumble it over the complete dish, or over the salad that I serve with it, or into a side dish. I seem to be in the bad habit of serving specific sides with specific entrees. Most often I make a Wild Rice Pilaf with this and I love to add the crispy skin to that. (That recipe is up.) I suppose that sounds a little more glamorous than admitting that I usually just fork it out of the pan, pat it dry and crunch, crunch, crunch. If my stove could talk..."

 
aargersi
aargersi March 24, 2011
Wow. Yum. Duck, duckfat, fire, all good things! I have never tried doing the skin and breast separately and now I must!
 
checker
checker March 24, 2011
aargersi, what an honor! I am a huge fan! Yes, I had always roasted my duck breasts with the skin and fat still on, and in the oven. I can't remember now if I saw this on a cooking show or read about it (I think read) but I tried it and loved it. It's easy as can be, and I think has great flavor. And it involves fire, which always makes for a fun time in the kitchen...