Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Wild Mushroom Stuffing and Cherry Balsamic Reduction

This sophisticated appetizer features perfectly pan-seared duck breast, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or an upscale lunch. The rich gamey flavor of the duck is beautifully balanced by a tangy cherry reduction and savory wild mushroom stuffing.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large duck breasts, scored skin-side
• 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (Cremini, Oyster), sliced
• 3 small shallots, finely minced
• 4 slices artisanal baguette bread, cubed
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup low-sodium duck stock
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Season the scored duck breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a cold, dry skillet, place the duck skin-side down. Turn heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the fat to render slowly until crispy. Pour off excess rendered fat.
2. Remove the duck from the skillet and set aside to rest. Keep the remaining drippings in the pan. While the duck rests, sauté the shallots in a small amount of the remaining duck fat until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they have released their moisture and begun to brown.
3. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and dried rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, combine the cubed baguette slices with the mushroom mixture, tossing lightly. This forms your stuffing.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, balsamic vinegar, and duck stock. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it gently bubble for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Slice the rested duck breasts thinly against the grain. Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom stuffing mixture onto small serving plates, then fan the sliced duck breast over the top. Drizzle the cherry balsamic reduction generously over the dish for presentation and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated per serving. Values are approximate.

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 410mg