Albanian Style Grilled Duck Breast with Rich Sauce

Introduction

Discover the rich flavors of Albanian-style grilled duck breast, perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill. This dish is marinated with bold Albanian spices, seared to lock in the juices, and finished to perfection on the flat cooktop griddle. The result is a tender and flavorful duck breast, complemented by a rich, savory sauce. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a gourmet dish in your backyard!

Ingredients

• 2 duck breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the firewood catch.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Rub this marinade generously over the duck breasts.
3. Let the duck marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Duck Breast on the Center Grill Grate

1. Place the duck breasts skin-side down on the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy.
3. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared duck breasts to the flat cooktop.
2. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
3. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature is 115°F to allow for carryover cooking.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Prepare the Rich Sauce

1. On the cooler side of the flat cooktop, melt butter.
2. Add red wine and let it reduce for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and stir.
4. Mix in honey and fresh thyme.
5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice the duck breasts thinly.
2. Drizzle the rich sauce over the slices.
3. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Tips

• For extra crispy skin, score the duck fat before cooking.
• Always let the duck rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

Variations

1. Spicy Albanian Duck: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp harissa to the marinade.
2. Herb-Infused Duck: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary.
3. Citrus-Glazed Duck: Add the zest of one orange to the marinade and finish with an orange glaze.
4. Garlic Butter Duck: Increase garlic to 4 cloves and baste with garlic butter while cooking.
5. Honey Balsamic Duck: Replace the honey in the sauce with balsamic glaze for a tangy touch.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus
• Roasted potatoes with butter and thyme
• A glass of full-bodied red wine
• Grilled peaches for a sweet contrast

Conclusion

Cooking duck breast on the Arteflame grill results in an incredibly juicy and flavorful dish with a perfect crispy sear. The rich sauce enhances its depth, creating an unforgettable meal. Try the variations to find your favorite twist!