Description
Tender, juicy smoked duck, perfect as a holiday centerpiece or weeknight main. Endless possibilities for leftovers!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 whole duck (2 kg) whole duck
- 1/4 cups (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp (2 g) Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp (6 g) fresh ginger
Instructions
- Preparation
- Pat the duck completely dry using paper towels. Use a fork to pierce the skin all over, being careful not to pierce the meat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Place the duck in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the duck, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides. Cover the bowl (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Smoking the Duck
- Heat an outdoor smoker to 200°F (93°C). Choose your wood chips—apple, cherry, pecan, or oak.
- Remove the duck from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the duck on the smoker rack, breast side up.
- Smoke the duck for approximately 4 hours, maintaining the temperature at 200°F (93°C). After 3 hours, brush the duck generously with additional maple syrup.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the duck breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the duck from the smoker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure the duck is completely thawed and at room temperature before smoking.
- Leftover duck can be shredded and used in salads, tacos, or as a topping for pasta.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can roast the duck in a 325°F (163°C) oven for approximately 2-2.5 hours, basting with the maple syrup mixture halfway through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 48 hours
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 duck
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 180