Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe French LaundryRoasted Duck Recipe

Roasted Duck Recipe

Inspired by The French Laundry
Time2h
Serves4

Crispy roasted duck with a cherry reduction.

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Ingredients

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Duck Preparation

Method

Duck Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 2

    Prepare the Duck

    Remove the giblets from the duck and pat it dry with paper towels.

  3. 3

    Season the Duck

    Rub the entire duck with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, making sure to get under the skin where possible.

  4. 4

    Roasting the Duck

    Place the duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.

  5. 5

    Rest the Duck

    Once cooked, remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Cherry Reduction

  1. 6

    Make the Cherry Reduction

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

  2. 7

    Thicken the Sauce

    Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries are soft and the sauce reduces slightly.

  3. 8

    Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add to the cherry mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

  4. 9

    Finish the Sauce

    Remove from heat and strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve if desired, to remove solids.