Duck Breasts

[Gunner105]

Yesterday a friend at work supprised me with an early Christmas present of 4 nice sized duck breasts he harvested this year. 

I was planning a buttermilk and salt brine for about 24 hours but after that I'm at a loss.

Should I bacon wrap em or just put some rub on?  What wood works best for this?  I believe the IT should be 165ish just like chicken right?

Thanks!

 

[cwshiles]

I just got a goose and am about to do the same but I have not decided yet what I am doing after the brine.

Ducks Unlimited has some pretty good recipes.

Good luck.

 

[DivotMaker]

Can't wait to see what y'all come up with!  Sounds like your plans, so far, have run "a fowl!"  ;D  OK, not my best, but I'll be in town all week.

 

[cwshiles]

I laughed ;D

 

[DivotMaker]

Don't forget to tip those waiters and waitresses!  ;D

 

[benjammn]

Don't forget to tip those waiters and waitresses!  ;D

LOL I was just typing this same thing up!

 

[DivotMaker]

...And be sure to drive safely!  LOL!!

 

[Gunner105]

I don't have any pictures to post, the little guys were devoured before I thought to take any.  Here's what I ended up doing.  First off these were Teal and Wood duck breasts, from what I hear mallard is tougher.  I'll have to wait to find out first hand. 

3 days in water and kosher salt brine, 3 days in buttermilk, kosher salt and garlic brine.
Rinsed and patted dry then a little canola oil with my rub was applied and wrapped in thick cut bacon. 
Used hickory and cherry wood and pulled after the IT held at 140 for about half an hour.  Finished with 5 minutes in the oven at 500 to crisp the bacon.

Better than prime rib and not enough to go around.  Simply amazing taste and texture, cant wait to try this with some goose breast.

 

[Walt]

That will be hard to beat.  Wood duck is THE finest duck to eat followed by (you guessed it) teal.  I have shot and eaten them all. You will enjoy mallard but love the WD & teal. I'm jealous.

 

[DivotMaker]

Better than prime rib and not enough to go around.  Simply amazing taste and texture, cant wait to try this with some goose breast.

Better than prime rib???  I'm definitely going to have to try that!  I've never found anything I like better than a good prime rib! ;D

 

[Gunner105]

Yes, imho better than prime rib that I normally get at our local dinner club.  I have 4 left over and if you were closer to iowa I'd be happy to let you have one. 

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the offer, Gunner!  Too much snow up your way for me!