Roasted Duck with Zesty Orange Glaze

Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze Your CrowdPleasing Recipe

By Diego HartSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to elevate your Sunday roast? This Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze recipe is your answer! The zesty citrus flavour transforms the Roast Duck into something truly special.

Brief Overview

This classic dish has roots in many European cuisines. It's perfect if you want something delicious but elevated! It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking around 2.5 - 3 hours. It serves 4-6 people.

Main Benefits

Duck is a great source of protein and iron. It's ideal for a Family Feast , especially during the holidays.

This recipe is special because of the perfect balance of richness from the duck and the zing from the orange.

Duck, Duck... Delicious!

Alright, folks, let's talk Duck with Citrus Glaze . A Holiday Duck Recipe is always a winner! I remember one Christmas when my mum made a Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze .

Honestly? Everyone thought she had secretly become a professional chef. It tasted that Gourmet Duck Dish !

Crispy Skin Secrets

The key to a truly amazing Crispy Duck Recipe is all about getting that skin super dry before roasting. Seriously, pat that Pekin Duck Recipe like your life depends on it.

You know, the drier, the crispier. Some people swear by leaving it uncovered in the fridge overnight, that is quite effective.

Orange You Glad It's Glazed?

The Orange Glaze Recipe is where the magic happens. Fresh orange juice, marmalade, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, and ground ginger come together to create the perfect blend.

Simmer until it slightly thickens. This Easy Roasted Duck recipe will take your duck from boring to BOOM!

Duck Fat Gold

Don't even think about throwing away that duck fat! Strain it. It's liquid gold, I tell you! Roast potatoes in it, make Duck Fat Fries .

Oh my gosh , it's incredible. Trust me.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Ever Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze

Let's talk ingredients, yeah? This Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze recipe isn't complicated. Honestly. But quality matters! It's perfect for a family feast .

Main Ingredients: The Duck Deets

One whole duck (about 5-6 lbs or 2.2-2.7 kg ). I personally love Pekin Duck Recipe , it gets so crispy. Look for skin that isn't torn or bruised. A good Pekin Duck should feel plump, not bony.
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt. Sea salt works too.
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground is key, trust me!
1 large orange, quartered. Navel oranges are great.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary. Smells amazing, right?
2 sprigs fresh thyme. A must.
1 medium onion, quartered. Yellow or white.
2 cloves garlic, crushed. Because garlic.

Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe Magic

1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice. Bottled is fine in a pinch.
1/2 cup (120 ml) orange marmalade. You know, the kind your nan probably has.
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey. Runny honey is best.
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce. Light or dark, doesn't matter too much.
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar. Adds a nice tang.
1 tsp (5 ml) orange zest. Grate it before you juice the orange.
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger. Just a little warmth.

Seasoning and Flavor Notes

The orange zest and ginger add a beautiful aroma. Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness. Soy sauce adds umami depth.

You could sub the rosemary and thyme with sage or marjoram. It will be a herby Gourmet Duck Dish .

Essential Equipment for Easy Roasted Duck

Roasting pan with rack. This is key for letting the fat render.
Meat thermometer. Don't guess! (165° F or 74° C in the thigh).
Small saucepan. For the glaze.
Basting brush. Silicone is easiest to clean.
Kitchen twine (optional). For trussing the legs.
Sharp knife or poultry shears. For scoring the skin and carving.

Don’t have a roasting rack? Just use some chopped root vegetables. No twine? It's ok to skip it! This Crispy Duck Recipe can happen even if you are missing something.

Are you ready to try a Holiday Duck Recipe ?

Nailing the Perfect Roast Duck with Orange Glaze

Honestly, who doesn't love a good roast? I'm talking about that comforting aroma filling the kitchen. And if we're elevating things, why not Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze ? This isn't your average weeknight dinner.

It's a Family Feast waiting to happen! So get ready to make a Gourmet Duck Dish , and it can be an Easy Roasted Duck , trust me.

I'll guide you.

Prep Like a Pro: Duck Edition

First things first: mise en place . It's French, darling, for "everything in its place." Chop your onion, quarter your orange.

Get that Pekin Duck Recipe ready. We're talking 1 whole duck, around 5-6 pounds, folks. Pat that bird dry. Very dry.

Honestly, this is key to a Crispy Duck Recipe . For speed, have marmalade, honey and soy sauce ready. This will also speed up preparing Duck with Citrus Glaze .

Mastering the Roasted Duck: step-by-step

Pat the duck dry, score the skin without cutting the meat, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Stuff it! Orange quarters, rosemary, thyme, onion, garlic the works.
Roast at 450° F ( 230° C) for 30 minutes. This renders the fat – critical for crispy skin.
Lower the heat to 325° F ( 160° C) and roast for another 2 hours, basting with pan drippings every 30 minutes.
Whisk your Orange Glaze Recipe together: orange juice, marmalade, honey, soy sauce, and zest. Simmer until thick.
Glaze the duck during the last 30 minutes, every 10 minutes. You want it luscious and sticky.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Patience, young Padawan!
Carve and serve. Bask in the glory!

Duck Tricks: Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Crispy skin is the holy grail. Air-dry the duck in the fridge overnight if you have time. Trust me.

Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer. 165° F ( 74° C) in the thigh is your target. Nobody wants dry duck.

Duck fat is liquid gold. Save it! Make Duck Fat Fries or roast potatoes. Oh my gosh, it's life changing. Make sure you include it in your next Holiday Duck Recipe .

**Recipe Notes for Your Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze Masterpiece**

Honestly, this Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze is easier than you think. But there are a few things I've learned along the way that will help you nail it! These are my real life experiences.

Think of me as your slightly clumsy, but well meaning, Duck with Citrus Glaze guru.

Presentation Perfection: Plating Like a Pro

Forget boring plating! Think restaurant worthy. Slice the Roast Duck and arrange it artfully. Drizzle that gorgeous Orange Glaze Recipe over the top.

Add a sprig of rosemary for extra flair. For sides, try some vibrant green beans almondine or creamy mashed potatoes.

Remember, we eat with our eyes first!

Oh my gosh, who can resist a beautifully prepared dish?

Sidekick Sensations: Completing the Family Feast

This Gourmet Duck Dish is fantastic on its own. But great sides elevate it. Crispy Duck Fat Fries are a must! (Seriously, duck fat makes everything better).

Some braised red cabbage and maybe some roasted root vegetables would be amazing too. And don't forget the drink pairing! A nice pinot noir would be amazing to complement the Holiday Duck Recipe .

Storing Like a Boss: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s the deal. For refrigeration, get that Crispy Duck Recipe into an airtight container and it’s good for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't my first choice as it can affect the skin crispiness. If you have to, wrap well in cling film then foil, and it will be fine for up to a month .

For reheating, I prefer a low oven ( 275° F / 135° C ) to keep the moisture in.

Pekin Duck Recipe Remix: Adaptations and Swaps

Want to mix things up? No problem! For a lower sugar version, use sugar-free marmalade. For a seasonal twist, try swapping the orange for blood orange in the winter.

It is chef's kiss . To make it gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is tamari.

Easy Roasted Duck : Fueling Your Body

Okay, let's be real. This Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze isn't a health food. But duck is a good source of protein and iron.

It also has zinc, according to the USDA, a nutrient that the body does not produce on its own. Consider serving with lighter sides to balance it out.

You’ve got this! Don’t be scared to try this Easy Roasted Duck recipe. It's easier than it looks. And the result? Pure magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get really crispy skin on my Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze? Is there a secret, like a bit of magic dust?

Crispy duck skin is the holy grail! The key is to dry out the skin as much as possible before roasting. Pat the duck thoroughly dry with paper towels, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern (careful not to cut the meat!), and consider letting it air-dry uncovered in the fridge overnight.

This allows the skin to render properly during roasting, giving you that coveted crackling texture. Think of it as giving your duck a spa day before the big show.

My oven is a bit temperamental. What temperature is best for cooking Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze and how do I make sure it's cooked through?

Ovens can be right characters, can't they? Start with a high heat (around 450°F/230°C) for the first 30 minutes to kickstart the fat rendering. Then, reduce the temperature to 325°F/160°C to cook the duck through without burning the skin.

The most reliable way to ensure it's cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. A properly cooked duck is like winning the lottery, every time.

Can I make the orange glaze for this Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The orange glaze can definitely be made ahead of time, which is a great way to break up the cooking process. Simply prepare the glaze according to the recipe, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to roast the duck, gently warm the glaze before brushing it on. It's a bit like preparing your cuppa before the telly starts always a good move.

I'm not a huge fan of marmalade. What can I substitute in the Orange Glaze for this Roasted Duck?

Not everyone's a marmalade maven, and that's perfectly alright! If you're not keen, you can substitute it with apricot jam mixed with a tablespoon of orange zest. Another option is to use a simple orange syrup made by simmering orange juice with a little bit of sugar until it thickens slightly, again adding some orange zest for that extra zing.

Think of it as swapping out your favourite biscuit for something equally delicious personal preference is key!

What are some good side dishes to serve with Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze?

Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze is quite a rich dish, so you want sides that complement it without being too heavy. Classic choices include crispy roasted potatoes cooked in the rendered duck fat (a must try!), braised red cabbage, or green beans almondine for a touch of freshness.

A simple salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders to cut through the richness. Don't forget a good bottle of wine to round things off! It's like putting together the perfect band everyone needs to play their part.

How long can I store leftover Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze, and how should I reheat it?

Leftover duck is a delicious treat! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through, or slice it thinly and pan-fry it until crispy.

Avoid microwaving, as it can make the duck tough. You could even shred the leftovers and use them in duck tacos or a salad waste not, want not!