Duck Piccata

Wild duck has a more complex and gamy flavor compared to farm-raised duck. The meat is leaner and often darker in color, which contributes to its distinctive taste. Depending on the species of duck, the flavor can range from mild to quite robust. Wild duck typically has a rich, earthy, and slightly gamey flavor with a hint of sweetness. The meat can also have a subtle nutty or fruity taste, depending on the duck's diet. Overall, wild duck is a delicious and flavorful meat that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices, making it a popular choice for gourmet cuisine.

If you find the flavor of wild duck to be too gamey for your taste, there are a few things you can do to help mellow out the flavor:

1. Soak the meat: Before cooking, you can soak the wild duck meat in milk, buttermilk, or a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice for a few hours. This can help to remove some of the gamey flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Marinate the meat: Marinating the wild duck meat in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight can help to mask the gamey taste. Choose a marinade that complements the natural flavors of the meat, such as a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and citrus juice.
3. Cook the meat properly: Overcooking wild duck meat can make it tough and exacerbate the gamey flavor. Instead, cook the meat to medium or medium-rare, which will help to retain its natural juices and flavors.
4. Pair with flavorful ingredients: Wild duck meat pairs well with strong flavors such as juniper berries, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Adding these ingredients to your recipe can help to balance out the gamey taste.
5. Serve with a fruity sauce: A fruity sauce, such as cranberry or cherry, can help to complement the gamey flavor of wild duck and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 duck breasts, skin on
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the duck breasts. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season both sides of the duck with salt and black pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the duck breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the duck breasts, skin side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the duck over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until cooked through but still pink in the center. Transfer the duck breasts to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Slice the duck breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the top of the duck, and garnish with chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious duck piccata!

Recipe by Dine Wild