Simple and Delicious Duck Breast

Duck breast is something most people associate only with high-end restaurants so they don't dare it try cooking it at home.  What those fine dining restaurants don't want you to know is that cooking duck breast is actually much easier than you think.

Active Prep Time: ~ 5 minutes

Cook Time:  ~ 20-25 minutes (plus 8-10 minutes to rest after cooking)

Total:  ~35-40 minutes

Serves:  4 people

Ingredients 

• 4 6oz. Antibiotic-Free duck breasts;
• Salt and pepper (to taste);

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees;
2. With a sharp knife, lightly score the skin side of the duck breasts in a criss-cross pattern (be careful not to cut all the way through the fat and into the meat);
3. Season both sides with salt and pepper;
4. Place the duck breasts, skin side down, into a room temperature, oven-safe, skillet (cast iron works great) and place the skillet on the stove over low to medium-low heat;
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes to let the duck fat render (you're ready to flip when the skin is crispy and golden-brown color);
6. Flip the duck breasts and cook for 2 more minutes;
7. Keeping the duck breasts in the skillet place in the oven;
8. For medium-rare (our favorite), cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees (approximately 10-12 minutes in most ovens).  Add another 5 degrees to get the doneness to medium;
9. Remove duck breasts from oven, place on a cutting board and let rest for 8-10 minutes;

Serving

1. Slice diagonally into pieces that about 1/4inch thick;
2. Enjoy!