PEKIN DUCK BREAST RECIPES

Steps:

• With a sharp knife, score the fat of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern, being careful to not cut into the meat. Season the duck with salt and pepper. Warm a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat and add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pan.
• Place the duck breast fat-side down in the skillet to render off the fat, about 8 minutes. Once the fat has rendered out and the skin is golden brown and crisp, turn the duck breast over and add the butter, thyme and garlic. Turn up the heat to medium-high and, once the butter is foamy, begin basting the duck breast using a spoon. Continue basting until the duck breast reaches medium rare and measures 135 to 140 degrees F. on an instant-read thermometer, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes before slicing.

Steps:

• Score the duck breast skin. About an hour before cooking, remove the duck breasts from the refrigerator and their packaging. Use a sharp knife to score the skin: Make 3 to 4 parallel shallow cuts into the skin, but not through it, in one direction, then make 3 to 4 shallow cuts in another direction, making a cross hatch or diamond pattern. Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels.
• Season with salt and rest for 15 minutes. Season the breasts on all sides with salt (you might not use all the salt; that’s fine). Set aside and let rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the potato into small 1/2-inch cubes.
• Start in a cool pan to render out as much fat as possible. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a large cast iron skillet and turn the heat to medium. You want to crisp the skin slowly, driving out as much of the fat as possible.
• Cook on the first side for 6 to 8 minutes. After 6 to 8 minutes, the pan will have filled with a substantial amount of fat from the skin. The skin should be a very dark golden-brown.
• Flip the breasts and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until they reach 135°F. Flip the breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Add the potatoes to the pan right after you flip the breast. Cook until the breasts are plump and register 135°F in the thickest part of the breasts for medium-rare.
• Rest the duck for 5 minutes and continue to cook the potatoes until crisp. Remove the duck breasts to a clean plate or cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Continue cooking the potatoes, stirring regularly, until they are golden-brown on the outside and tender inside, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Slice the duck breasts and serve with the potatoes. Slice the duck breasts on the diagonal and serve over the potatoes with any accumulated juices on the resting plate.