A classic recipe for duck breast with orange sauce can be elevated with a spicy twist to create a flavorful and sophisticated dish. In this recipe, you’ll sear the duck breast to perfection and pair it with a tangy, slightly spicy orange sauce that brings out the richness of the duck. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Duck Breast:

• 2 duck breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spicy Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

Instructions:

For the Duck Breast:

1. Prepare the Duck: Score the skin side of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps the fat render and the skin crisp up.
2. Season the Duck: Season the duck breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Sear the Duck: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip the duck breasts and cook for another 4-6 minutes for medium-rare (adjust the cooking time for your desired doneness).
4. Rest the Duck: Remove the duck breasts from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute in the meat.

For the Spicy Orange Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until it reduces by about half.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Finish with Butter: Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter. This will add richness and gloss to the sauce.

To Serve:

1. Slice the Duck: Slice the rested duck breasts against the grain.
2. Plate the Dish: Arrange the sliced duck on a serving plate.
3. Top with Orange Sauce: Spoon the spicy orange sauce over the duck.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the duck breast with a side of your choice, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes, and enjoy!

This recipe combines the rich and savory flavor of duck breast with the tangy, spicy orange sauce for a delightful meal that impresses both the palate and the eyes. Adjust the spiciness of the sauce according to your preference for a personalized touch.