Crock Pot Wild Duck Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

serves/makes:

ready in:

2-5 hrs

Remove any excess skin and fat from the ducks (you can remove the skin entirely also).

Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the ducks on top.

Combine the water and onion soup mix and stir well. Pour over the ducks and vegetables. Evenly distribute the butter.

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 5 hours or until the ducks are tender and cooked through (cooking time will vary by crock pot and size of ducks).

Let the cooked duck rest for a few minutes before carving for juicier meat.

Serve the duck with a side of wild rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Reserve the cooking liquid as a base for a delicious gravy.

Sharp Knife: To remove excess skin and fat from the ducks before cooking. If using farm-raised ducks, you'll definitely want to trim off any excess fat. You'll also need the knife to cut the vegetables.

Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: For cooking the ducks along. Make sure the ducks are tender and cooked through, but cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot and the size of the ducks.

Cutting Board: To safely and efficiently trim excess fat and skin from the ducks before placing them in the crock pot.

Peeler: To peel the potatoes and carrots for the recipe.

Measuring Cup: For accurately measuring out the water needed to combine with the onion soup mix.

Stirring Spoon: To mix the water and onion soup mix together before pouring the mixture over the ducks and vegetables.

Scalloped Potatoes: the creamy richness of scalloped potatoes will complement the wild duck's bold flavor without stealing the spotlight.

Orange Glaze: the citrusy sweetness of an orange glaze will add a bright note to the rich and savory wild duck.

Wild Rice Pilaf: the nutty and earthy flavors of wild rice will pair perfectly with the wild duck.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: the caramelized and slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts will balance out the richness of the wild duck.

Red Wine Reduction Sauce: a luscious and velvety red wine reduction sauce will boost the flavors of the wild duck.

Wine Pairings
Pinot Noir: A match made in heaven for wild duck, the earthy undertones of a Pinot Noir embrace the gamey nuances of the duck, while its berry notes offer a delightful contrast to the savory dish.

Merlot: A Merlot with its smooth tannins and plummy flavors will complement the richness of the duck without overwhelming the dish.

Syrah: If your duck could choose, it might pick a Syrah for its dinner date. Bold, with peppery notes and dark fruit flavors, Syrah can stand up to the strong flavors of wild duck.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Stout: Bringing a stout to this dinner party adds a robust guest with notes of coffee and chocolate, which can hold its ground against the gamey duck and bring out the earthiness of the dish.

Whiskey: A neat whiskey, with its complex notes of smoke, caramel, and spice, can echo the wild nature of the duck while adding a layer of warmth and depth to the meal.

Gin & Tonic with Rosemary: For a lighter touch, a gin and tonic infused with rosemary can add a refreshing and herbal twist to the meal, cutting through the richness of the duck while complementing its natural flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Grape Juice: The festive bubbles and slight sweetness of sparkling grape juice can lighten the rich flavors of wild duck.

Carrot Ginger Juice: Embrace the earthiness of the dish with carrot ginger juice. Its sweetness and zing will complement the carrots in the dish and add a fresh punch to counterbalance the gamey duck.

Herbal Tea (such as Rosemary or Thyme): A warm cup of herbal tea, especially with notes of rosemary or thyme, can echo the rustic flavors of the duck while providing a soothing finish to the meal.