Mains French

Duck a l Orange

The French bistro classic of crisp-skinned duck in a sweet-sharp orange sauce, shown three ways. The tiers climb from frozen duck legs with a marmalade glaze to whole-roasted breasts with a proper Grand Marnier gastrique.

Serves2
Time1 hr 40 min
Cost / serving£3.25
Gluten-free Dairy-free Nut-free

Make it your way

Pick a tier — the ingredients, method and cost update instantly.

Budget version

Frozen duck legs with a quick marmalade and orange juice glaze.

Per serving£3.25
Total cost£6.50
Time1 hr 40 min
Servings

Ingredients for 2

  • 2 frozen duck legs , defrosted
  • salt and pepper , to taste
  • Sauce
  • 200 ml smooth orange juice , from carton
  • 2 tbsp orange marmalade
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 chicken stock cube , in 150ml hot water
  • 1 tsp cornflour , mixed with a little water

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 180C fan. Pat the duck legs dry, prick the skin, season well and sit them skin-side up in a roasting tin.
  2. Roast for around 1 hour 20 minutes until the skin is crisp and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
  3. Meanwhile make the sauce: simmer the orange juice, marmalade, vinegar and stock in a small pan for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cornflour paste and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, then season.
  5. Rest the duck for 5 minutes, then spoon the warm orange sauce over and serve.

Equipment

The three ways, side by side

Budget
£3.25 / serving · 1 hr 40 min

Frozen duck legs with a quick marmalade and orange juice glaze.

Better
£6.75 / serving · 40 min

Pan-roasted duck breasts with a fresh orange and white wine sauce.

Ultimate
£12.00 / serving · 1 hr

Whole-roasted Gressingham breasts with a Grand Marnier gastrique and blanched zest.