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Perfectly Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions

  • Author: slsrecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Perfectly Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions is an elegant, restaurant-quality dish with crispy duck skin, juicy meat, and sweet caramelized onions finished in a rich balsamic sauce — ideal for a special dinner.


Ingredients

  • 2-4 skin-on duck breasts
  • 1 cup cipollini onions, peeled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat.
  2. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Place duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the duck breasts and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if desired.
  5. Transfer the duck breasts to a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  7. Add cipollini onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to caramelize.
  8. Add butter, garlic, and thyme; cook until onions are tender and golden.
  9. Deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar and chicken stock, scraping up browned bits.
  10. Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the onions.
  11. Slice the rested duck breasts and serve with the caramelized onions and sauce.

Notes

  • Start with a cold skillet to render duck fat slowly and evenly.
  • Pat duck skin dry for the crispiest results.
  • Always rest the duck before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Use pearl onions if cipollini onions aren’t available.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispy skin.