Semi-Cooked Duck Breast with Green Tea BBQ Seasonings

Ingredients:

• 6g green tea BBQ seasonings
• 2 duck breasts, skin-on
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small orange, zested and juiced (optional, for garnish and sauce)
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Duck Breasts:

• Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season both sides of the duck breasts with salt, pepper, and 3g of the green tea BBQ seasonings.

Sear the Duck Breasts:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the skin to become crispy. Flip the duck breasts and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.

Rest the Duck Breasts:

• Remove the duck breasts from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.

Make the Sauce (Optional):

• While the duck is resting, you can make a simple sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and the remaining 3g of green tea BBQ seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve:

• Slice the duck breasts against the grain into thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter. If using, drizzle the sauce over the top of the duck. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and orange zest for added freshness.

Tips for Success:

• Scoring the Skin: Scoring the skin helps to render the fat more evenly and ensures a crispy texture. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
• Resting: Allowing the duck to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and ensures a more tender texture.
• Sauce Variation: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the orange juice with another type of fruit juice or add a splash of red wine.
• This dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of duck with the unique aroma of green tea BBQ seasonings, creating a sophisticated and flavorful meal perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.