Freezer defrosted 10duck breasts how to cook??

mollsnan

Any suggestions very welcome please. Went to put shopping in freezer and g.daughter had played with buttons. 10 lovely uncooked duck breasts I had been given are half defrosted. Figured we would be better using them for tomorrow's dinner, and fresh turkey Boxing Day. But any suggestions (uncomplicated) as to how to cook them please.

Steve059

Allow them to defrost completely.

Put them, skin side down, in a frying pan. Add a very little oil to protect the pan, especially if it's non-stick, before the fat from the duck takes over. Fry on a medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn them over and fry for another 2 minutes. Then put them in an ovenproof dish. Cook in a preheated oven at 200°C, 400°F, gas mark 6 for 10 minutes.

They can then be refrozen.

PS. Keep any duck fat and add it to the oil for roast potatoes.

babyshoes

I would do pretty much the same as above. They are nice as they are, served with your choice of gravy or orange sauce, or for a difference pair them with a thai curry sauce. Slice them up and stir them through the curry sauce to warm up just before serving.

Another nice variation is to sprinkle the skin with cinnamon and salt in equal measures before cooking - adds a subtle flavour and helps it crisp up nicely. Also good on a whole roast duck.

mollsnan

Thanks Steve & baby shoes, decided to just go ahead and have them tomorrow. The turkey will keep another day! I can refreeze what duck isn't used and I like the idea of leftovers in a Thai curry. Usually have duck with fruity type sauce, but wonder if I could do it with just a gravy and all the usual Christmas dinner trimmings. The stuffing I make in a dish is made with sausagemeat,bacon,onion, breadcrumbs,apple, dried fruit and port so is quite rich.