Soy-Marinated Duck Breasts

These soy-marinated duck breasts are a standard item in my Osechi (Japanese-style New Year foods).

Duck breasts would be available in some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Market, Papa Joe's and Peacock, at frozen meat section.

Soy-Marinated Duck Breasts
Ingredients:
12oz (2 fillets) boneless duck breasts
2 inches kelp (see a note below)
1/4 cup hot water
1/8 cup white wine
1/8 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce


Directions:

In a saucepan the duck breasts just fit, reconstitute the kelp in the hot water for a couple of minutes. Add the white wine, maple syrup and soy sauce.

Using a sharp knife, score the duck skin on diagonals to make a diamond pattern. Pat them dry with paper towels.

In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the duck, fat side down, and sear until crispy for about 5 minutes. Then flip and cook for 30 more seconds.


Add the duck to the saucepan with a lid on, bring to a boil, reduce the heat over low and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let cook at room temperature.







Transfer to a Ziplock bag, both the duck and the sauce, and marinate in fridge overnight.


Slice thin and arrange on a plate. Spoon the sauce over or place alongside for dipping.


Serve at room temperature.

Note:

Kelp (or Kombu) is a kind of seaweed and available in Whole Foods Market and Japanese grocery stores like Noble Fish.