Soy-persimmon glazed roasted duck that's easier than it looks, and an impressive main dish to serve guests or to elevate an everyday occasion!

Our talented friend Jenny from So Much Food! is back with another delicious recipe just in time for the holidays! She's made it incredibly easy for a novice cook to roast a whole duck by simply brining, glazing, and baking. Make this for a holiday gathering with friends and family, and the OOHs and AHHs will roll in!

 


RECIPE STATS

Prep Time = 30 minutes
Cook Time = 3 hours
Yield = 4-6 servings

 

INGREDIENTS

Duck
1 Peking duck (I use Maple Leaf farms), 4-5 lbs
2 cups boiling water
3 black tea bags
4 cups cold water
1 cup of soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
3 pieces star anise
1 tablespoon whole allspice
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 bay leaves

Soy-Persimmon Glaze
2 ripe persimmons, cut into chunks
½ cup soy
¾ cup of water
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
¼ cup mirin
¼ cup brown sugar
1-inch fresh ginger, cut into slices

 

TOOLS

GIR Ultimate Spatula
GIR Ultimate Basting Brush → Pre-order here!
Roasting Pan
Small Baking Sheet 

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. To make the brine: Take the boiling water and transfer to a heat-safe container. Add the black tea bags, salt, and sugar and stir to dissolve. Allow the tea to steep and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Add the remaining ingredients, minus the duck and stir to combine. Place the duck in a large 2-gallon ziplock bag (I actually always double bag, just in case). Pour the brine over the duck and make sure it is fully submerged. Transfer to the refrigerator and brine for at least 8 hours, up to 2 days.
  2. To make the glaze: Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the persimmons are very tender and falling apart and the liquid has reduced by 2/3. Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh strainer and press well to get the fruit pulp and all the liquid through, discard the solids. Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature. Only refrigerate if waiting longer than 8 hours to use.
    To prepare duck: Remove duck from the brine and pat very dry with paper towels. Transfer to a small baking sheet and return to the fridge uncovered for at least 12 hours.
  3. To cook duck: Remove duck from the fridge 1 hour before roasting. Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F. Transfer duck to a roasting pan with a wire rack. Transfer half of the glaze to a separate container. Brush the duck with the remaining half of the glaze and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Roast the duck for 3 hours. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Slice and serve with remaining persimmon glaze.

    Notes

    Visit your local butcher to find a good duck. I happen to have a store that has them fresh, but if you can only find them frozen make sure to account for defrosting time.

    Persimmons are seasonal in fall/winter, but feel free to substitute plums instead.


    Did you make this recipe?
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