Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Duck Bites with Honey Orange Glaze

If you’re craving a delicious combination of sweet and savory, Kokanee Quinn found the perfect recipe for you from Went There 8 This! This duck dish, featuring a luscious honey-orange glaze, is bound to impress at any dinner table. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients:

• Duck Bites:
  • 1-2 pounds duck legs, cut into 1 ½” pieces
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons allspice, freshly ground for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable)
• Honey Orange Glaze:
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 Thai chili
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed
  • 1 star anise

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Duck:
   • Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F in a high-sided cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
   • Mix the flour, allspice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
   • Dip the duck pieces in the flour mixture and fry in the oil for 3-5 minutes, until browned and crispy.
   • Remove the duck and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Make the Glaze:
   • Heat the honey, orange juice, brandy, Thai chili, garlic clove, and star anise in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
   • Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened (it should start to stick to the back of a spoon). Add more orange juice or brandy if too thick.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Place the fried duck pieces in a bowl and pour the glaze on top. Toss to fully coat the duck bites.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips:

• Use a high-sided skillet or pot for frying to avoid oil splatter.
• Keep the oil at a consistent 350°F; a candy or deep-frying thermometer can help with this.
• Cut duck pieces evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Be careful not to overcook the duck bites; they should be crispy yet tender.

Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these duck bites with honey-orange glaze are sure to become a favorite. If you prefer, you can also serve the duck bites with a remoulade sauce for dipping. Happy cooking!