Duck is a delicious alternative to chicken and turkey that has a rich and unique taste. Many people have the misconception that duck tastes like liver or other types of offal, but this is completely untrue. Duck actually has a flavor that is closer to red meat and can be quite delicious when prepared well. The best way to enjoy duck is roasted, as this allows the skin to crisp up and the meat to become tender and juicy. It is also very important to cook the meat to a medium-rare stage, as this will allow for maximum flavor and texture. Duck can be seasoned with a wide variety of spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. It can be paired with classic sauces such as orange or hoisin, but it is also delicious when paired with more unexpected flavors such as cherry, fig, and coffee.
Duck is often served with sides such as vegetables and starch, which can help to balance the rich flavor of the meat. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled, fried, or roasted. A popular French dish is duck a l’orange, which involves marinating and poaching the duck in its own fat before serving. It is also common to serve the meat in dishes such as duck confit, where it has been preserved in the fat for close to 36 hours before being served with a variety of sides.