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Duck Breast
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Nutri-ScoreA

Duck Breast

Anas platyrhynchos

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Scientifically reviewed by:Dra. Sofía Méndez (Clinical Nutritionist)
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Duck Breast provides 337 kcal, 19g of protein, 0g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Duck breast is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, known for its tender texture and flavorful meat. It is often enjoyed in gourmet dishes and is a staple in various cuisines.

Also known as:
Duck FilletMagret
Scientific NameAnas platyrhynchos
Region of OriginChina
Popular Comparisons:
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Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories337 kcal
Water
61%
Fiber0g
Total47.0g
Protein
19g(40%)
Fats
28g(60%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin B120.6 µg (25%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.2 mg (12%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron2.7 mg (15%)
Zinc2.4 mg (22%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

✓High in protein, duck breast supports muscle growth and repair, making it an excellent choice for athletes and active individuals.
✓Rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
✓Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and iron, which are crucial for energy production and overall health.
✓Duck breast is versatile in cooking, allowing for various preparation methods that enhance its flavor and nutritional profile.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Duck breast is high in fat, which may not be suitable for individuals on low-fat diets or those with certain health conditions.
!Improperly cooked duck can pose a risk of foodborne illness; ensure it is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best cooked medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness and flavor; can be pan-seared, roasted, or grilled.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose duck breasts that are plump and firm with a smooth skin; avoid any that appear discolored or have a strong odor.

How to Store

Store duck breast in the refrigerator if using within a few days; for longer storage, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Myths vs Realities

MythDuck breast is too fatty to be healthy.
RealityWhile duck breast is higher in fat, it contains healthy monounsaturated fats that can benefit heart health.
MythDuck must always be cooked well-done.
RealityDuck breast is best enjoyed medium-rare, which enhances its tenderness and flavor.
MythAll duck meat is tough and gamey.
RealityWhen properly prepared, duck breast can be incredibly tender and flavorful, rivaling other poultry.

Healthy Recipes

Citrus Glazed Duck Breast with Quinoa Salad

This vibrant dish features seared duck breast drizzled with a tangy citrus glaze, served alongside a refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 orange, juiced and zested
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. In a skillet, sear the duck breasts skin-side down over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3. Transfer the duck to the oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook quinoa in water according to package instructions.
  4. 4. In a bowl, mix orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and zest. Combine cooked quinoa with tomatoes and cucumber, then drizzle with the citrus dressing.
  5. 5. Slice the duck and serve over the quinoa salad, drizzled with any remaining glaze.

Duck Breast with Blackberry Balsamic Reduction

Savor the rich flavors of duck breast paired with a sweet and tangy blackberry balsamic reduction, served with steamed asparagus.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet skin-side down until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. 2. Flip the duck and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3. In a saucepan, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Simmer until reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
  5. 5. Slice the duck and serve with the blackberry reduction and asparagus on the side.

Spicy Duck Breast Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These flavorful duck breast tacos are topped with a zesty avocado salsa, perfect for a healthy twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Corn tortillas
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Season duck breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium heat until cooked to desired doneness, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  2. 2. Remove duck and let rest before slicing thinly.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine avocado, red onion, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa.
  4. 4. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet, then fill with sliced duck and top with avocado salsa.
  5. 5. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Herb-Crusted Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Mash

Enjoy a gourmet meal with herb-crusted duck breast served over creamy sweet potato mash, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season duck breasts with salt and pepper, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, thyme, and rosemary.
  2. 2. Sear duck breasts skin-side down in a skillet until golden, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and transfer to the oven for 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Slice the duck and serve over the sweet potato mash, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Duck Breast Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

This vibrant salad features seared duck breast on a bed of mixed greens, topped with a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet skin-side down until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2. Transfer to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, then let rest before slicing.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, pomegranate juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  4. 4. Toss mixed greens with vinaigrette, then top with sliced duck, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts before serving.

Duck Breast with Apple Cider Reduction

This dish features succulent duck breast paired with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction, served with roasted Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Sear duck breasts skin-side down in a skillet until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3. Transfer to the oven for 8-10 minutes. In the same skillet, add apple cider and Dijon mustard, simmer until reduced by half.
  4. 4. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
  5. 5. Slice the duck and serve with the apple cider reduction and Brussels sprouts.

Duck Breast with Mango Salsa

This tropical-inspired dish features seared duck breast topped with a fresh mango salsa, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet skin-side down until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2. Transfer to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, then let rest before slicing.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.
  4. 4. Serve sliced duck topped with mango salsa for a refreshing twist.

Duck Breast with Ginger Soy Glaze

This Asian-inspired dish features duck breast glazed with a ginger soy sauce, served with stir-fried vegetables for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet skin-side down until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2. Transfer to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ginger, and honey to create the glaze.
  3. 3. In a separate skillet, heat sesame oil and stir-fry the mixed vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4. Slice the duck and serve drizzled with ginger soy glaze alongside the stir-fried vegetables.

Duck Breast with Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This elegant salad features seared duck breast served on a bed of roasted beets and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

Ingredients
  • 2 duck breasts
  • 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet skin-side down until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2. Transfer to the oven for 8-10 minutes, then let rest before slicing.
  3. 3. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey, simmer until reduced and thickened.
  4. 4. On a plate, arrange arugula, top with roasted beets, sliced duck, and crumbled goat cheese, then drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should duck breast be cooked?

Duck breast is best cooked medium-rare to medium, allowing the fat to render and the meat to remain tender.

What are the health benefits of duck breast?

Duck breast is high in protein and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients and supporting muscle health.

Can duck breast be eaten rare?

Yes, duck breast can be safely eaten rare, but it should be cooked to at least 135°F (57°C) for optimal safety.

What is the best way to season duck breast?

Simple seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the natural flavor; additional herbs and spices can be added for variety.

Is duck breast healthier than chicken breast?

Duck breast is higher in fat but also richer in flavor and certain nutrients; moderation is key.

How do I store leftover duck breast?

Store cooked duck breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What dishes can I make with duck breast?

Duck breast can be used in salads, stir-fries, or served with fruit sauces for a gourmet meal.

What is the nutritional value of duck breast?

Duck breast is high in calories and fat but also provides a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.

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Comparisons
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Nutrients
Protein in Duck Breast Calories in Duck Breast Vitamin-c in Duck Breast Magnesium in Duck Breast
Featured Guides
Health Benefits of Duck Breast Healthy Recipes with Duck Breast
Rankings
Meats high in protein Meats high in vitamin-b12 Meats low in carbohidratos Meats low in índice glucémico