Grilled Duck Breast – How to Grill Duck Breast to Perfection

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Duck breast sounds so fancy! Did you know this is a pretty easy cut of meat to prepare? You can effortlessly transform it from a restaurant staple to a backyard barbecue showstopper with the right approach.

Forget everything you know about cooking duck. This succulent bird deserves a treatment similar to beef than chicken. When cooked to a perfect medium, rare, grilled duck breast is delcious. It has a rich flavor and tender texture that will impress at any cookout or dinner party.

Fear not the grill. With a few simple steps, you can master grilling duck breast and impress your guests with this elegant yet surprisingly easy dish.

Let’s break down the process and discover the secrets to grilling duck breast perfection so they are juicy and crispy

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Duck Breast Recipe

This grilled duck breast recipe is simple yet delicious! The skin on the duck breast is easily crispy, and the meat is juicy and tender!

You’ll love this recipe when you want something sophisticated but simple, such as a dinner party or holiday dinner with friends and family. 

What You’ll Need

• 2 duck breasts, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Grilled Duck Breast

Step 1: Make the rub

Mix the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. This includes sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the duck

Score the duck’s skin in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Apply the rub liberally. Let the duck rest for 30-60 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the duck

Preheat the grill to 350°F. Place the duck skin-side down onto the grill. Cook for 7-9 minutes, the skin should be crispy and golden brown.

Flip the breasts and cook for at least 3-5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 4: Finish the duck

Remove the duck from the heat and let rest for up to 10 minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

What Temperature to Grilled Duck Breast at

Grill the duck breast at 350°F. This high temperature grills ensuring the skin gets nice and crispy without overcooking it inside.

Duck meat needs to reach an internal temp of 165°F. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer to measure the thickest part of the breast.

How Long to Cook Grilled Duck Breast

The duck breast should be cooked for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Cooking it at a higher temperature will speed up the process slightly.

You will know the duck is ready to serve when it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.

How To Store Leftover Grilled Duck Breast

Refrigerate leftover duck breast in an airtight container for up to a week. Use a freezer-proof container to freeze it for up to a month!

If you freeze it, ensure it’s properly thawed before eating it. You can heat it using your favorite method, such as a microwave, stove, or air fryer.

What To Serve With Grilled Duck Breast

Duck breasts go well on many different sides. It’s a versatile meat! We love the following side dishes:

• Smoked Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Bacon and Cheese
• Smoked Broccoli
• Smoked Garlic Bread

You can use a charcoal grill or gas grill to grill duck meat. You’ll miss out on the smoky tastes, but it will still work out!

This will quickly become a family favorite. You’ll want to serve it for every special occasion!

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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