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Perfect Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Port Reduction Sauce

A gourmet dish featuring pan-seared duck breast with crispy skin served with a sweet-tart cherry port reduction sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Duck Breast Ingredients
  • 2 pieces duck breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
Cherry Port Reduction Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
  • 1 cup halal red grape juice (substituting for port wine)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 piece shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. This will help render the fat and achieve that coveted crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Duck Breasts
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the duck breasts skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  2. Flip the breasts and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to reach your desired doneness (medium is about 135°F).
  3. Remove the duck breasts from the pan and cover them with aluminum foil to rest while you make the sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, discard excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Add chopped shallots and sauté until translucent (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add cherries and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in the halal red grape juice and simmer until it reduces by half, about 5-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in the butter and thyme, adjust seasoning, and let it bubble for another two minutes.
Serving
  1. Slice the duck breast and serve it with the cherry reduction drizzled on top.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for duck if preferred. Ensure to rest the duck for a more succulent end result. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.