Crispy Duck Legs
Crispy Duck Legs are a luxurious dish featuring tender meat and golden, crispy skin. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 4 duck legs
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 orange zest and juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the Duck Legs: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the duck legs all over with the orange zest, then season generously with the spice mixture.
- Sear the Duck Legs: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the duck legs, skin side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the duck legs and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Roast the Duck Legs: Pour the orange juice over the duck legs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan juices. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the duck legs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Notes
Voila! Your Crispy Duck Legs are ready.
Serve these crispy duck legs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and luxurious meal.
A few tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Make sure to pat the duck legs dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
- For even crispier skin, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife before seasoning.
- Save the rendered duck fat for roasting potatoes or vegetables – it’s liquid gold!
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g