Ingredients:
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds or 2.3-2.7 kg)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 orange, quartered
- 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 onions, quartered
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1. Prep the Duck:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the giblets and excess fat from the duck’s cavity. Rinse the duck inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Duck:
- Season the inside and outside of the duck with salt and black pepper.
3. Stuff the Duck:
- Stuff the duck’s cavity with the quartered orange, sprigs of fresh thyme, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and peeled garlic cloves.
4. Truss the Duck:
- Truss the duck by tying the legs together with kitchen twine. This helps the duck cook evenly and stay in a nice shape.
5. Place in a Roasting Pan:
- Place the duck in a roasting pan, breast side up.
6. Add Vegetables:
- Arrange the quartered onions, carrot chunks, and celery chunks around the duck in the roasting pan. These will serve as a flavorful bed for the duck to roast on.
7. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar to create the glaze.
8. Glaze the Duck:
- Brush the duck with some of the glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
9. Roast the Duck:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the duck for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Baste the duck with the glaze every 30 minutes.
10. Check for Doneness:
- To ensure the duck is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
11. Rest the Duck:
- Once the duck is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
12. Carve and Serve:
- Carve the rested duck and serve it with the roasted vegetables and any remaining glaze.
Enjoy your homemade roast duck! It’s a special and flavorful dish perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion.