Black Pepper Duck Breast Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 duck breasts, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon black tea powder
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine or duck stock
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to marinate the duck breasts.

Marinate the Duck Breasts:

• Place the duck breasts in a shallow dish and pour the cooled black tea marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

Prepare the Duck Breasts:

• Remove the duck breasts from the marinade and pat them dry. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Sear the Duck Breasts:

• Sear the duck breasts skin-side down first for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and well-rendered. Flip the breasts and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

Finish Cooking the Duck Breasts:

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (if using) and finish cooking the duck breasts for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Make the Pan Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the red wine or duck stock and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Reduce the heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until it is fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and additional black pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Slice the rested duck breasts against the grain and fan them out on serving plates. Drizzle the pan sauce over the duck and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Enjoy your Black Pepper Duck Breast with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a special dinner or a date night in. The crispy skin and tender meat, paired with the rich pan sauce, create a sophisticated and flavorful dish.