If you’re a fan of rich, smoky flavors and succulent meat, tandoori duck is a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Combining the traditional Indian cooking technique of tandoor with the distinct taste of duck, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re preparing for a special dinner or just want to experiment with your culinary skills, these tandoori duck recipes will elevate your cooking game. Let’s dive into a few different ways to prepare this delicious dish.

Classic Tandoori Duck

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the Duck: Clean the duck and pat it dry with paper towels. Make several deep cuts in the duck’s skin to allow the marinade to penetrate. Rub the marinade all over the duck, making sure it gets into the cuts and cavities. Cover the duck and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a tandoor oven, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Cook the Duck: Place the marinated duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the duck is cooked through and the skin is crispy. If using a tandoor oven, cook according to the oven’s guidelines until the duck is tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve: Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve hot with naan, rice, or a fresh salad.

Spicy Tandoori Duck Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 duck legs
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
2. Marinate the Duck Legs: Clean the duck legs and pat them dry. Make a few slits in each leg to help the marinade penetrate. Rub the marinade thoroughly over the duck legs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the Duck Legs: Place the marinated duck legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Roast in the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the duck legs are cooked through and the skin is crispy.
5. Serve: Allow the duck legs to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of mint chutney, cucumber salad, and warm naan.

Tandoori Duck Breast with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 duck breasts
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mint Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
2. Marinate the Duck Breasts: Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern. Rub the marinade all over the duck breasts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Mint Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, chopped mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Cook the Duck Breasts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Sear the duck breasts, skin-side down, until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the breasts and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
5. Roast the Duck Breasts: Transfer the duck breasts to a baking dish and roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the duck is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Serve: Let the duck breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the mint yogurt sauce and a side of your choice, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Tandoori duck is a unique and flavorful dish that brings a touch of exotic flair to your table. Whether you prefer the traditional whole duck, spicy legs, or tender breasts with a refreshing mint sauce, these recipes offer a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy experimenting with these tandoori duck recipes and impress your guests with your culinary skills