Skip to main content

Duck with Port-Cherry Sauce

4.6

(69)

"My husband and I discovered a restaurant called Abbie Lane when we were on vacation in Newport, Vermont," writes Beth D. Fisher of Middleton, Wisconsin. "He ordered the special—a duck breast with cherry sauce—and really enjoyed it. I would love to make this dish for him at home."

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce
1 cup Sherry
4 6-ounce duck breast halves
12 frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed, halved
1 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 cup beef stock or canned beef broth
1/2 cup ruby Port
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, room temperature

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Whisk soy sauce and Sherry in medium bowl to blend. Using sharp knife, make diagonal cuts at 1/2-inch intervals in duck skin (not through meat). Place duck, skin side up, in glass baking dish. Pour marinade over. Cover duck with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.

    Step 2

    Bring cherries, chicken stock, beef stock, Port and thyme sprig to boil in heavy medium saucepan over high heat. Simmer until mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, heat heavy large skillet over medium heat. Remove duck from marinade. Add duck breasts, skin side down, to skillet. Cook until skin is crispy, about 10 minutes. Turn duck over and continue cooking to desired doneness, about 5 minutes for medium. Transfer duck to work surface.

    Step 4

    Add cornstarch mixture to Port-cherry sauce. Bring to simmer, whisking constantly. Add butter 1 piece at a time, whisking until butter is melted before adding next piece. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 5

    Slice duck breasts thinly on diagonal and fan out on plates. Spoon Port-cherry sauce over duck and serve.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.