Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Asian cuisine with this Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce recipe. This dish showcases the succulence of duck, balanced perfectly with the sweet and tangy hoisin sauce. The sesame marinade adds a nutty undertone, while a fresh salad on the side provides a refreshing contrast. The recipe requires simple ingredients, but the end result is a sophisticated dish that's sure to impress.
Duck breast might not be a staple in your pantry, but it's a common ingredient in many gourmet recipes, and is definitely worth trying for this dish. You can find it in the meat section of most large supermarkets or at a local butcher's shop. Hoisin sauce, a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine, and sesame oil, known for its distinctive nutty aroma and taste, are key ingredients in this recipe. They can be found in the Asian food aisle in most grocery stores.
Ingredients for Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce
Garlic: Provides a robust flavor base for the marinade.
Sesame oil: Used for marinating the duck, it adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Soy Sauce: Adds the necessary saltiness to balance out the sweet hoisin.
Duck breast halves: The star of the dish, rich and flavorful.
Rosemary: Gives an aromatic touch to the marinade.
Hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the salad.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and tang to the salad dressing.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Makes the base of the salad dressing.
Bitter greens: Provide a refreshing contrast to the rich duck.
Mangoes: Add a sweet and tropical element to the salad.
One reader, Karil Wilks says:
The grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts with hoisin sauce recipe is a game-changer! The marinade infuses the duck with incredible flavor, and the hoisin sauce adds a delightful touch. The dish is a showstopper and has become a family favorite. I highly recommend trying it out for a special dinner.
Techniques Required for Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce
How to marinate the duck: Combine the garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a small bowl, then coat the duck breasts with the mixture and sprinkle with rosemary. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
How to grill the duck: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then place the duck breasts on the grill, skin side down. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side for rare, and 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning and brushing with hoisin sauce about halfway through the cooking time.
How to make the salad dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
How to prepare the salad: Toss the bitter greens and ripe mangoes with the prepared salad dressing in a salad bowl.
How to serve the duck: Let the grilled duck breasts rest for 3 to 4 minutes, then cut into slices and garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve with the prepared salad and a small bowl of hoisin sauce on the side for dipping.
How To Make Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce
Sink your teeth into these piquant grilled duck breasts marinated in a tasty hoisin-garlic sauce, grilled, served with tasty greens salad, for a full meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Duck:
- 2garlic cloves
- ¼cupsesame oil
- 2tbspsoy sauce
- 4duck breast halves,boneless
- ¼cupfresh rosemary
- 2tbsphoisin sauce
For Salad:
- 2tbsplemon juice,fresh
- 1tbspbalsamic vinegar
- ¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4cupbitter greens,such as arugula, mizuna, frisée, or a combination of three
- 2ripe mangoes
Instructions
Duck:
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In a small bowl, combine the garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Set aside.
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Remove any loose fat from the duck breasts, and score the skin lightly with a sharp knife and take care not to cut into the flesh.
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Place breasts in a nonreactive dish just large enough to hold them. Coat with the garlic mixture and sprinkle with rosemary.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
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Bring the duck breasts to room temperature. Preheat the gas grill to medium-high, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat.
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Place the duck breasts on the grill, skin side down.
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Cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side for rare, and 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning and brushing with hoisin sauce about halfway through the cooking time. The skin should be crisp and brown, but not burned.
Salad:
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In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Place breasts on a platter and let rest 3 to 4 minutes.
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Place the greens and the mangoes in a salad bowl and toss with dressing.
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Cut the duck into slices, about ¼-inch thick, and garnish with the rosemary sprigs.
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Serve with the salad and a small bowl of hoisin sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1098.34kcal
- Fat: 35.32g
- Saturated Fat: 6.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.38g
- Carbohydrates: 32.32g
- Fiber: 3.74g
- Sugar: 25.98g
- Protein: 35.63g
- Cholesterol: 128.06mg
- Sodium: 1436.68mg
- Calcium: 47.10mg
- Potassium: 830.48mg
- Iron: 8.48mg
- Vitamin A: 120.26µg
- Vitamin C: 75.27mg
Technique Tip for Grilling Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
When scoring the skin of the duck breasts, it's important to be gentle and precise. The goal is to pierce the skin and fat without cutting into the meat. This allows the fat to render out during cooking, resulting in a crispy skin and a moist, tender breast. Using a sharp knife, make shallow, diagonal cuts across the skin, about 1 inch apart. Then, make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. This not only helps in rendering the fat but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
Marinate in advance: Marinate the duck breasts the night before or at least 4 hours ahead to allow the flavors to infuse.
Prep the salad while grilling: While the duck is grilling, prepare the salad to save time and ensure everything is ready to serve together.
Use a gas grill: Preheat a gas grill for quicker and more consistent cooking, making it easier to control the temperature.
Slice the duck uniformly: Ensure the duck breasts are sliced into uniform thickness for even cooking and a professional presentation.
Multi-task: While the duck is resting, toss the salad with the dressing and prepare the platter for serving to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce Recipe
sesame oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for sesame oil in marinades.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor, making it a great substitute in marinades.
duck breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be a lean and readily available substitute for duck breast, offering a milder flavor and similar texture when grilled.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to dishes as rosemary, making it a suitable replacement in the marinade.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with plum sauce: Plum sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor similar to hoisin sauce, making it a suitable substitute for adding depth to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to dishes as lemon juice, offering a suitable alternative for the salad dressing.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar can offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to balsamic vinegar, making it a suitable substitute in the salad dressing.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra-virgin olive oil in the salad dressing.
bitter greens - Substitute with arugula: Arugula offers a peppery and slightly bitter flavor similar to bitter greens, making it a suitable substitute for the salad.
mangoes - Substitute with peaches: Peaches can provide a similar level of sweetness and juiciness as mangoes, making them a suitable substitute in the salad.
Presentation Tips for Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
Elevate the plating: When presenting the grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate height and layers: Arrange the sliced duck breasts on the plate with a deliberate sense of artistry. Consider layering the bitter greens and mangoes to create a visually stunning and multi-dimensional presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine. This will create a sense of balance and harmony, drawing attention to the star of the dish – the succulent grilled duck breasts.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for symmetrical and precise arrangements to showcase the culinary expertise and attention to detail that goes into the presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Create a sensory experience by incorporating contrasting textures in the presentation. Pair the tender duck breasts with crisp bitter greens and juicy mangoes to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Highlight the duck's natural beauty: Allow the natural beauty of the grilled duck breasts to take center stage. Keep the presentation simple and elegant, allowing the rich colors and textures of the dish to speak for themselves.
Emphasize the use of vibrant colors: Incorporate vibrant and visually striking elements to enhance the overall presentation. Consider using colorful edible garnishes to add a touch of brightness and visual appeal to the plate.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
Gas grill: A gas grill is a cooking appliance used to grill food by applying heat from below. It typically consists of burners, grates, and a hood for heat retention and control.
Charcoal grill: A charcoal grill is a cooking appliance that uses charcoal as its fuel source. It consists of a charcoal grate, cooking grate, and vents for airflow control.
How To Store and Freeze Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts with hoisin sauce:
- Refrigerate any leftover duck breasts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, being careful not to overcook the meat.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled duck breasts. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen duck breasts, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, consume within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
- Store any leftover hoisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce cubes in the refrigerator before using.
- If you have leftover dressed salad greens and mangoes, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressed greens will keep for 1-2 days, while the mangoes can last up to 3-4 days. To maintain optimal freshness, avoid freezing the dressed salad or mangoes.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover duck breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the duck breasts with a thin layer of hoisin sauce to help retain moisture and add flavor. Cover the baking sheet with another piece of foil to prevent the duck from drying out. Reheat the duck breasts in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker reheating method, use a microwave. Place the duck breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the duck moist during the reheating process. Microwave the duck breasts on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat the duck, as it can quickly become tough and dry.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat the duck breasts while maintaining their original texture and moisture. Place the duck breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and submerge the bag containing the duck breasts in the water bath. Reheat the duck for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
For a crispy skin, reheat the duck breasts in a skillet. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. As the skillet heats up, the fat will render from the skin, creating a crispy exterior. Cook the duck breasts for 5-7 minutes on the skin side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Brush with a little hoisin sauce during the last minute of cooking for added flavor.
If you have access to a grill, you can reheat the duck breasts while infusing them with a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Place the duck breasts on the grill grates and brush them with a thin layer of hoisin sauce. Close the grill lid and allow the duck to reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook the duck, as it can quickly become dry.
Random Fact about Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce
The sesame oil in this recipe adds a rich, nutty flavor to the duck breasts, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Is Making Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts Economical?
This grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts with hoisin sauce recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the duck breasts and sesame oil, but the dish is elevated by the use of fresh rosemary and bitter greens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $40-$50. The dish offers a unique and flavorful dining experience, earning a verdict of 8/10 for its taste and presentation.
Is This Sesame-Marinated Duck Breast Recipe Healthy?
The grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts with hoisin sauce recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- Duck breast is high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Hoisin sauce, while tasty, is often high in sugar and sodium, which can be detrimental to health when consumed in large quantities.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of oil, both in the marinade and the salad dressing, which can add extra calories and fat to the dish.
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:
- The inclusion of bitter greens and mangoes in the salad provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- The use of fresh ingredients, such as garlic and rosemary, can offer some health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Trim the duck breasts of excess fat and remove the skin before marinating to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce in the marinade to decrease the dish's salt content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the marinade and salad dressing, or opt for healthier alternatives like avocado oil or tahini.
- Increase the portion of bitter greens and mangoes in the salad to boost the dish's nutrient density.
- Serve the hoisin sauce on the side, allowing diners to control the amount they consume.
- Consider grilling lean protein sources like chicken or tofu as an alternative to duck for a lower-fat option.
- Experiment with sugar-free or low-sugar hoisin sauce alternatives, such as those made with natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia.
Editor's Thoughts on This Sesame-Marinated Duck Breast Recipe
The grilled sesame-marinated duck breasts with hoisin sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the duck with a rich umami taste, complemented by the sweet and savory hoisin sauce. The bitter greens and ripe mango salad provide a refreshing contrast, while the balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy note. The dish is a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a sophisticated and impressive choice for a special occasion.
Enhance Your Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grilled Sesame-Marinated Duck Breasts with Hoisin Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent duck breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of sesame oil and soy sauce, ensuring a tender and juicy result. The use of fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and aromatic touch. The accompanying bitter greens and ripe mangoes salad, dressed with a zesty blend of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar combined with extra-virgin olive oil, provides a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the rich duck. The careful grilling process and the addition of hoisin sauce further elevate the dish, making it a delectable and trustworthy choice for any culinary enthusiast.
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