Duck breast has enough richness to carry bold seasoning, and Game Rub gives the crisp skin a deeply aromatic edge. A quick cherry pan sauce adds fruit and acidity without turning the dish sweet.

Starting in a cold pan slowly renders the fat, leaving the skin crisp and the meat juicy. Once you know that trick, this special-looking dinner becomes remarkably straightforward.

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 large duck breasts
• 1 tbsp Game Rub
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 100ml red wine or ruby port
• 150ml chicken stock
• 150g pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
• 1 tsp redcurrant jelly
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 15g cold butter

🍴 Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 180°C fan / 200°C conventional. Score the duck skin in a diamond pattern without cutting into the meat, then rub both sides with the Game Rub.
2. Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold ovenproof frying pan. Set over medium heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, pouring off excess fat as it renders.
3. Turn and cook the flesh side for 2 minutes, then transfer the pan to the oven for 5–8 minutes, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
4. Move the duck to a warm plate and rest for 10 minutes.
5. Pour away all but 1 tsp fat. Cook the shallot for 2 minutes, then add the wine and reduce by half.
6. Add the stock, cherries and redcurrant jelly. Simmer for 5 minutes, stir in the vinegar and whisk in the cold butter off the heat.
7. Slice the duck and serve with the cherry sauce.

⏱️ Timings

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Rest: 10 minutes
• Serves: 2

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve with fondant or mashed potatoes and tenderstem broccoli. Keep the rendered duck fat refrigerated and use it for roast potatoes.

💛 Why This Recipe Works

A cold-pan start gives the fat time to render before the skin burns. Red wine, cherries and balsamic cut through the richness while complementing the rub’s earthy flavour.

🛒 Get the Blend

Make this recipe with our Game Rub.

🔥 More Game Rub Recipes

• Game Rub Venison Steaks with Blackberry Sauce
• Slow-Cooked Game Rub Venison & Red Wine Stew
• Game Rub Pheasant & Mushroom Pie
• Game Rub Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs
• Game Rub Mushroom & Chestnut Bourguignon

Shop Game Rub →

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