Black Currant-Lacquered Duck Breast
2 small duck breasts (about 13 ounces total; may substitute 1 large duck breast)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium shallot
One 2-inch piece fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon honey
1/3 cup black currant jam
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Use a sharp knife to score the fat side of each duck breast in a crosshatch pattern. Season the breasts well with salt and pepper all over, then place in an ovenproof medium skillet or saute pan, skin side down. Place the pan over medium heat; cook for about 8 minutes or until much of the fat has rendered and the skin is crisped and browned. If the sizzle of rendered fat becomes too vigorous (as in, fat jumping out of the pan), reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour off the fat into a heatproof container; strain and reserve.
Turn over the duck breasts; transfer the pan to the oven; cook for 2 to 4 minutes or just until the flesh registers 145 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (The meat will cook further once it's in the sauce.)
While the breasts are cooking, mince the shallot (to yield 3 tablespoons). Peel and grate the ginger (to yield 1 tablespoon).
Transfer the duck breasts to a plate to rest while you make the sauce.
Return the pan to the stove top over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the strained, rendered duck fat (reserve the rest for another use). Stir in the shallot; cook for about 2 minutes, stirring, then add the ginger, honey, black currant jam and vinegar. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring a few times, until the mixture has reduced to a bubbling, syrupy consistency. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Return the duck breasts to the pan, skin side down, over medium-low heat. Brush some of the sauce on each duck breast to coat evenly. Turn the breasts skin side up; rapidly and constantly spoon the sauce over the duck breasts for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
Let the lacquered duck breasts rest for 5 minutes or so (in the pan) before serving or slicing. Drizzle them with the remaining sauce once they're on the plate.
Serves 2 to 3
Adapted from a recipe by chef Michael Lomonaco on Cookstr.com.