If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that feels both fancy and approachable, then you’ve come to the right place! This Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze is one of my absolute favorites to whip up for special gatherings or cozy family dinners. There’s something magical about the combination of juicy duck with a sweet and tangy fig and orange glaze that makes every bite a celebration. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen!

Whether it’s a chilly Sunday afternoon or a festive holiday gathering, this recipe fits right in. It brings comfort and joy to the table while still allowing you to kick back and enjoy the company around you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Delicious: The sweet fig and zesty orange glaze creates an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Easy Preparation: Follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll find that roasting a whole duck is much simpler than it seems!
Impressive Presentation: A whole roasted duck makes for a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.
Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the glaze in advance and simply roast the duck when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet wholesome, making this dish not just delicious but also comforting. Gather these items before you dive into cooking!

For the Duck

1 whole chilled duck
½ teaspoon sea salt (if duck is brined, do not add salt)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano, dried
½ teaspoon thyme, dried
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 sprig rosemary, fresh
2 sprigs thyme, fresh

For the Glaze

½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons fig jam
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut amino acids
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon corn starch

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

Switch up the fruit: Instead of figs, try using apricot jam for a different flavor profile.
Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the glaze for an extra kick.
Use different herbs: Fresh sage or dill can be delightful substitutes for rosemary and thyme.
Try another protein: If duck isn’t your thing, this glaze works beautifully with chicken or turkey.

How to Make Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Duck

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse your chilled duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying is crucial because this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Season the cavity with sea salt (if needed), garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and cracked black pepper. Don’t forget to tuck in those sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for added flavor!

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, fig jam, maple syrup, soy sauce (or coconut amino acids), balsamic vinegar, and corn starch. Stir until smooth. This glaze will caramelize beautifully as it bakes on the duck. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened; this will enhance those flavors even more!

Step 3: Roast the Duck

Place your seasoned duck breast side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Brush half of your prepared glaze generously over the duck. Roast in the preheated oven for about an hour. Then brush on more glaze every twenty minutes to build that sticky goodness! The goal is crispy skin that’s golden brown.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After about ninety minutes total cooking time—or once the internal temperature reaches about 165°F (74°C)—remove your duck from the oven. Let it rest for about ten minutes before carving; this allows juices to redistribute and keeps everything juicy.

Enjoy this delightful Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze at your next dinner gathering! Your guests will be raving about it long after dessert is served!

Pro Tips for Making Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Cooking a whole duck might feel intimidating, but with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends!

Choose the right duck: Opt for a high-quality, fresh duck, preferably free-range. This will ensure a rich flavor and better texture in the final dish.
Pat it dry: After rinsing your duck, make sure to thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. A dry skin is crucial for achieving that delightful crispiness when roasting.
Score the skin: Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the skin without cutting into the meat. This allows the fat to render out during cooking, resulting in a crispy exterior.
Let it rest: After cooking, let your duck rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Adjust seasoning based on brining: If your duck has been brined, skip adding extra salt to avoid an overly salty dish. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance!

How to Serve Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

Presentation can elevate any dish, and your Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck deserves to shine! Serve it on a beautiful platter with vibrant garnishes and complementary sides for an unforgettable meal.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over the duck before serving for a burst of color and aromatic flavor.
Orange slices: Add thinly sliced oranges around the duck on the platter for a pop of color and a hint of citrus that complements the glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

Roasted root vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized adds both sweetness and earthiness that pairs wonderfully with duck.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that balances out the richness of the duck.
Steamed green beans: Bright green beans lightly tossed in olive oil and lemon juice add freshness and crunch to your plate, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Wild rice pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf mixed with toasted nuts and dried cranberries offers a delightful contrast in texture while complementing the figgy orange glaze.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that everyone will remember! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy flavorful dishes throughout the week. You can easily store leftovers and even freeze portions for later, ensuring that your delicious meal can be enjoyed again.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the duck to cool completely before storing.
Place leftover duck in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep any extra glaze in a separate container for drizzling later.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled duck tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
The duck can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

Thaw frozen duck in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the duck on a baking sheet.
Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
For extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish.

Can I use a different fruit jam instead of fig jam?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of fig, try using apricot or raspberry jam for a similar sweet-tart flavor profile. Just ensure it’s thick enough to glaze nicely over the duck.

How do I achieve crispy skin on my Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze?

To achieve that perfect crispy skin, make sure to dry the duck thoroughly before seasoning. Cooking it at a high temperature at first helps render out excess fat, leading to that coveted crispy finish.

What should I serve with Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and tangy glaze complements savory sides perfectly!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze! It’s an impressive dish that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table, whether it’s a festive gathering or a special Sunday dinner. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love and flavors, so gather your family around and create lasting memories together. Happy cooking!

Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: Serves approximately 8
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience with this Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze. This elegant dish combines the rich flavors of juicy duck with a delightful sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh orange juice and fig jam. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, allowing you to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The crispy skin and succulent meat create a memorable centerpiece that will leave everyone raving about your cooking skills.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chilled duck
½ teaspoon sea salt (if duck is brined)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano, dried
½ teaspoon thyme, dried
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 sprig rosemary, fresh
2 sprigs thyme, fresh
½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons fig jam
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut amino acids
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon corn starch

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and dry the duck thoroughly.
Season the cavity with salt and spices; add fresh herbs.
In a saucepan, mix glaze ingredients over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened.
Place the duck breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan; brush half of the glaze over it.
Roast for about 90 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze every 20 minutes until skin is crispy and golden brown.
Check for doneness (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C), let rest for 10 minutes before carving.