Roast Duckling in Wine
Tender roast duckling with Marsala wine-grape sauce combines microwave speed and conventional oven crispness for special occasion duck dinners without the wait.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
30 minREADY
45 minThis hybrid method slashes roasting time while delivering everything you want in duck: crispy mahogany skin, tender meat that pulls from the bone, and a glossy wine sauce studded with sweet grapes.
The microwave does the heavy lifting, cooking the duck through in about 25 minutes.
Then a quick conventional oven blast crisps that skin to crackling perfection while the Marsala-grape glaze caramelizes.
Serves 4 to 6 for holiday dinners or date nights when you want impressive results without babysitting a roast for hours.
Chef Tips
- Foil protects delicate bits: Wrap wing tips and drumstick ends to prevent overcooking while the breast cooks through.
- Drain that fat: Pour off accumulated fat after the microwave stage for cleaner sauce and better oven crisping.
- Rest before carving: Let the duck stand 10 minutes after roasting so juices redistribute for moist, tender slices.
Ingredients
Directions
Wash duckling and dry. Sprinkle salt and nutmeg in the cavity.
Close openings with wooden picks. Tie legs together.
Tie wings to body. Wrap bits of foil over legs and wings to prevent over cooking.
Cover with wax paper to prevent splattering.
Place duckling with or without stuffing, breast side down in a microwavable baking dish .
Cook at FULL POWER 6 minutes per pound or 24 minutes for a 4-lb duckling.
After 12 minutes, turn bird breast side up and drain off accumulated fat.
Continue cooking.
Remove from microwave oven; remove foil pieces and wax paper.
Drain fat.
Blend wine jelly and cornstarch together.
(You may need to add a bit of water.)
Heat in a measuring cup in microwave oven 45 seconds or until thick and smooth.
Add the grapes and heat at FULL POWER for 45 seconds more.
Pour sauce over duck.
Roast in conventional range for 30 minutes at 400 deg. F. until skin is crispy brown and legs can be moved easily.
Let stand 10 minutes.
Serves 4-6. Microwave time: 25 to 31 minutes (then 30 minutes in conventional range) Conventional range time: 2 to 2½ hours
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