Oven-Baked Duck Breast with Apples

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you bake duck breast with apples in the oven? Gather the ingredients from the list. Which apples work best? Sweet or sweet-tart apples are perfect. If yours are tart, add a pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of honey to the mix.

2. Step 2:

   

   Rinse the breasts and be sure to pat them dry with paper towels—there should be no excess moisture on the meat. Score the skin with a sharp knife, as in the photo. Season the breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then rub it in so it's evenly distributed.

3. Step 3:

   

   Take a heavy-bottomed skillet. Brush the bottom with the barest amount of vegetable oil using a silicone brush. Lay the breasts skin-side down and set the skillet over high heat. Once it's hot, turn the heat down to medium and cook the meat for about four minutes.

4. Step 4:

   

   Meanwhile, wash and dry the apples and garlic. Peel the apples if you like—I usually don't. Cut the apples and garlic cloves into wedges.

5. Step 5:

   

   Flip the duck breasts and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes. Transfer the seared meat to a plate.

6. Step 6:

   

   Add the apples, garlic, butter, and salt and spices to taste to the skillet with the rendered duck fat. Turn the heat up a little.

7. Step 7:

   

   Cook the wedges, stirring constantly, for about a minute—until the apples are fully coated in the spices and butter.

8. Step 8:

   

   Arrange the apples and duck breasts in a baking dish.

9. Step 9:

   

   Put the dish in a preheated oven and bake until done. How long and at what temperature? Ovens vary, so both time and temperature can differ. I baked mine with top and bottom heat at 465°F (240°C) for about 10 minutes. The timing also depends on how well-done you want the meat—if you like it fully cooked through, add a little more time.

10. Step 10:

    

    Slice the finished breast into medium pieces and serve while it's still hot!