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Main Course • American

Deep-Fried Duck With Fig-Orange Glaze Recipe

For the most impressive holiday dinner, serve this deep-fried duck with a fig-orange glaze and watch your family swoon over every mouth-watering bite! Deep frying gives a whole duck crispy skin and makes that succulent meat even juicer and more flavorful.

5.0 from 149 votes
40 mins
Total Time
3
Servings
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Deep-Fried Duck With Fig-Orange Glaze

How to Make the Best Deep-Fried Duck With Fig-Orange Glaze

This deep-fried duck with fig-orange glaze is the showstopper your holiday table has been waiting for. The combination of crispy, golden skin and succulent, juicy meat creates a textural contrast that’s absolutely irresistible. Deep frying gives the duck a restaurant-quality finish that’s surprisingly easier to achieve at home than you might think.

What truly elevates this dish is the sophisticated fig-orange glaze. The sweet earthiness of fig jam mingles beautifully with bright citrus notes, while warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add depth and complexity. A whisper of cayenne pepper at the end keeps things interesting and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, this impressive duck makes an unforgettable centerpiece that will have your guests talking long after the last bite. The preparation is straightforward, leaving you more time to focus on your other holiday sides and enjoy time with loved ones.

Deep-Fried Duck With Fig-Orange Glaze

Deep-Fried Duck With Fig-Orange Glaze

For the most impressive holiday dinner, serve this deep-fried duck with a fig-orange glaze and watch your family swoon over every mouth-watering bite! Deep frying gives a whole duck crispy skin and makes that succulent meat even juicer and more flavorful.

5.0 from 149 votes
CourseMain Course
CuisineAmerican
Keyworddeep fried duck, holiday dinner, fig orange glaze
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings3 servings
Calories573kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Duck

Fig-Orange Glaze

Instructions

Prepare the Duck

  1. Pat the duck dry with paper towels inside and out. This helps ensure crispy skin when deep frying.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the duck, inside and out, coating evenly.

Deep-Fry the Duck

  1. Heat peanut oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully lower the seasoned duck into the hot oil. Be cautious as the duck may splatter.
  3. Deep fry for approximately 25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove the duck from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Fig-Orange Glaze

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine fig jam, orange juice, minced garlic, ginger, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and well combined, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the orange zest for a bright citrus finish.

Finish and Serve

  1. Cut the fried duck into serving pieces.
  2. Drizzle the fig-orange glaze over the duck or serve on the side for dipping.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure the duck is completely thawed before cooking for even heat distribution.
  • If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a large, heavy-bottomed pot filled with at least 3-4 inches of peanut oil.
  • The glaze can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Leftover fried duck can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven.
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