Perfectly Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions is an elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. The rich, tender duck pairs beautifully with the sweet, caramelized cipollini onions, creating a balanced plate that’s perfect for a special dinner or impressing guests. With crispy skin and succulent meat, this recipe elevates your culinary game without being overly complicated.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

duck breasts (skin-on)cipollini onionsolive oilbutterfresh thymegarlic clovesbalsamic vinegarchicken stockkosher saltfreshly ground black pepper

directions

Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Flip the duck breasts and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if desired.

Remove the duck breasts from the pan and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

In the same skillet, drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.

Add the cipollini onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to caramelize.

Add butter, garlic, and thyme, and continue cooking until the onions are tender and golden.

Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.

Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the onions.

Slice the rested duck breasts and serve with the caramelized cipollini onions and pan sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2-4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesResting time: 5-10 minutesTotal time: 35-45 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy brightness.

Use pearl onions if cipollini onions aren’t available.

Finish with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or wilted greens for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover duck and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the skin. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin from becoming soggy.

FAQs

How do I get the duck skin extra crispy?
Start with a cold pan and render the fat slowly. Press the duck breasts down gently to keep the skin in contact with the pan.

Can I use frozen duck breasts?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Do I have to use cipollini onions?
No, shallots or pearl onions are good substitutes.

What’s the best doneness for duck breast?
Medium-rare to medium is ideal for tender, juicy meat.

Should I rest the duck before slicing?
Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The onions and sauce are best fresh but can be prepped and gently reheated.

Conclusion

Perfectly Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions is an impressive yet achievable dish that delivers on both taste and presentation. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and sweet-savory onions will have you reaching for this recipe whenever you want to create a memorable meal at home.

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