Recipe: Curried Duck Breast

by
posted on June 5, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
recipe-curried-duck-breasts_lead.jpg

Large ducks like pintails, mallards and gadwall, provide lots of protein to feed a family or hunting camp. Breasts are often removed skinless, and finding a way to maintain the right texture and flavor when cooking can be a challenge.

Curry is aromatic, and the smell could make someone think that the spices would overwhelm any protein cooked in it. However, duck is robust and stands up well, keeping its identity in a curry dish.

The duck is cut into small pieces, cooked with a curry paste, then coconut milk and chicken broth are used to simmer the birds until fork tender. Served on a bed of long-grain rice, the curried duck could quickly become your favorite aromatic fowl recipe.

Ingredients
• 6 large duck breasts
3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 6 sprigs thyme
• 1 Thai chili pepper, pierced
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 14-oz. can coconut milk, or cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp canola oil
• 3 green onions, finely chopped

Curry Paste
• ¼ cup curry powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 3 Tbsp water

Curried Duck Breast in Cast Iron Pan


Directions

1. Place duck in a bowl and add garlic, thyme, scallion, Thai chili pepper and salt. Mix evenly. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. Add just enough water to cover the duck. Place in the fridge and let marinate for 12-24 hours.

2. Make a curry paste by adding the curry powder, cumin, garam masala, garlic, thyme and water. Stir gently until the paste forms.

3. In a deep Camp Chef cast-iron frying pan over medium heat, add canola oil. When the oil is hot, stir in the curry paste and onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently. If the mixture sticks to the pan, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the mixture loosens.

4. Add the marinated duck to curry paste and stir to coat—Cook the mixture for 15 minutes on medium-low heat without adding any liquid.

5. Add the coconut milk and chicken broth to cover the duck. Use more than one cup of broth, if required. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat. Simmer with a lid on for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the duck is tender.

6. When the duck is tender, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onion. Serve over a bowl of long-grained rice, such as Basmati.

For more delicious wild-game recipes, click here. 

Latest

LEDE USFWS Proposes
LEDE USFWS Proposes

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Cartridge Legacies: The .30-06 Springfield Family Tree

At this point in time, 120 years after its introduction, we hunters should be very familiar with the .30-06 Springfield. But the .30-06 Springfield is also a great dad, having a lineup of famous sons which have earned great reputations for themselves. Let’s dig deeper into the family tree.

First Look: Daisy Red Ryder 250th Anniversary Editions

Daisy Outdoor Products has released three special Red Ryders commemorating our county's 250th Anniversary.

NRA YHEC Nationals Happening in Arkansas

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.