07/10/2025
Thai Red Duck Curry
PREP
15
mins
COOK
30
mins
TOTAL
45
mins
Ingredients
1 pound
duck breasts, boneless, skin on
¼ teaspoon
cooking salt / kosher salt
¼ teaspoon
white pepper (or finely ground black pepper)
½ cup
Thai red curry paste
2 -
large garlic cloves, finely grated
2 teaspoon
fresh ginger, finely grated
1 cup
chicken stock/broth, low sodium
400 millilitre
coconut milk, full fat
8 -
makrut lime leaves, crushed in hand
2 teaspoon
white sugar
2 teaspoon
fish sauce
120 gram
green beans, trimmed and cut in half
1 cup
Thai basil leaves (or regular basil)
2 cup
Jasmine rice (cook 2 cups of raw rice)
1 to_taste
extra Thai basil leaves
1 to_taste
coriander/cilantro leaves/small sprigs (optional)
1 to_taste
large red chili, finely sliced (optional)
1 to_taste
lime wedges (recommended)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Score the skin of the duck breast with 5-6 diagonal slashes, being careful not to pierce the flesh. Pat the skin dry and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Place the duck skin-side down in a cold, ungreased oven-proof pan. Weigh it down with another pan to keep the skin flat. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of duck fat for the curry.
Step 3
Turn the duck breast over and cook the flesh side for 1 minute. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) for medium doneness. Rest the duck for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 4
In a deep skillet, heat the reserved duck fat over medium heat. Sauté the red curry paste, garlic, and ginger for 4-5 minutes until the paste darkens and becomes fragrant.
Step 5
Stir in the chicken stock and simmer until reduced by half (about 2-3 minutes). Add the coconut milk, crushed lime leaves, sugar, and fish sauce. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Step 6
Add the green beans and simmer for 3 minutes until just tender. Stir in the lychees or pineapple and simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
Step 7
Slice the duck breast just shy of 5mm (0.2 inches) thick. Spoon some curry sauce into a serving bowl, place the duck slices on top, and garnish with Thai basil, coriander, and chili. Serve with jasmine rice.