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Espresso and Cardamom Rubbed Duck

Espresso and Cardamom Rubbed Duck is a show-stopping dish that combines the deep flavors of espresso with the aromatic warmth of cardamom, enveloping succulent duck breast in a crispy skin. Perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings, this recipe is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Impress your guests with this culinary masterpiece that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 duck breasts (skin-on)
  • 2 tsp espresso powder
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix espresso powder, ground cardamom, salt, and pepper.
  3. Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat.
  4. Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the duck breasts and let sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the duck breasts skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for another 8-10 minutes until desired doneness (medium-rare at about 135°F or 57°C).
  7. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the duck overnight in the spice mixture. Experiment by substituting espresso with finely ground coffee or adding citrus zest to enhance freshness.