There’s a reason why duck is often served medium rare, and it’s the same reason why you might prefer your steak cooked medium.
If you cook it for longer than that, it’s going to be rubbery.
The reason for this is because duck, like many other types of meat, has a certain amount of connective tissue in it.
As the duck is cooked, the connective tissue breaks down and becomes tender.
The longer you cook it, the more of the connective tissue breaks down.
1. Juicy and Moist
I like my duck cooked medium rare.
It’s juicier and more moist that way.
2. Flavorful
Many people believe that the skin of a duck is the most flavorful part of the bird.
Duck skin is often used to make a delicious crispy duck dish, and the rendered duck fat can be used for cooking other dishes.
The skin is also full of flavor, as it is the first part of the duck to be cooked.
However, the duck’s meat can be quite flavorful as well, especially if it is cooked medium-rare.
The medium-rare temperature is achieved when the duck’s internal temperature reaches about 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature, the duck’s meat is still pink and juicy, and the flavor is more intense.
The reason for this is that when meat is cooked at a higher temperature, the muscle fibers begin to tighten and the juices are forced out.
At a lower temperature, the muscle fibers are able to relax, which allows the juices to stay in the meat and add to its flavor.
3. Healthy
We recommend cooking duck breast medium-rare to medium (about 130°F to 135°F) to get the optimal flavor and texture.
If you overcook the duck breast beyond this range, the skin will be very tough and the meat will be rubbery.
You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by gently pressing the duck breast with your finger.
If it feels soft and yielding, it’s probably done.
4. Safe
For the perfect medium-rare duck breast, cook for 35 minutes, or until the duck has reached an internal temperature of around 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The duck can then be rested for 5 minutes before serving.
Overcooking duck is a serious no-no! If you cook your duck past medium-rare, it will be chewy, and no one wants that. You’ve been warned!
5. A Great Way to Try Something New
Trying new things in the kitchen is always a bit daunting, but you will be surprised at the new flavors you can enjoy by taking that first step.
If you have never tried cooking duck before, this is a great way to do it.
The flavors are delicious and the meat is cooked to perfection.
When cooking duck, it is important to remember that the meat is very delicate.
It is best to cook it medium rare, so that it remains tender and juicy.
Overcooking the duck can result in dry, tough meat that is not very enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for a juicy, moist, and flavorful duck dish, it’s best to cook it medium-rare. Not only will this lock in all of those delicious flavors, but it’s also a healthy way to prepare duck!
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