How to Roast a Duck on a Traeger Grill

Roasting a duck on a Traeger grill brings out its rich, savory flavors, making the skin crisp and golden brown. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a gourmet touch to their outdoor cooking repertoire. Here's a detailed guide to preparing a delicious roasted duck.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-6 lb) domestic duck, thawed if needed
• Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, as needed
• 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 orange, quartered
• Fresh herbs (parsley, sage, or rosemary)

Steps

1. Preparation:

   • Remove giblets and excess fat from the duck.
   • Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
   • Prick the skin with a knife tip or fork to help render fat and crisp the skin.

2. Seasoning:

   • Season the duck inside and out with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.
   • Stuff the cavity with onion, orange, and herbs.
   • Tie the legs together with butcher’s twine.

3. Grilling:

   • Preheat the Traeger to 225°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   • Insert a probe into the thickest part of the thigh.
   • Place the duck on the grill and cook for 2.5-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
   • If needed, increase the temperature to 375°F to brown the skin.

4. Resting and Serving:

   • Remove the duck from the grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
   • Carve the duck and serve.

Cooking with Fire-Roasted Duck

The art of fire-roasting transforms ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces, and there's no better example than a perfectly roasted duck. With its deep, savory flavors and irresistibly crispy skin, fire-roasted duck is a showstopper at any gathering. This article explores the steps to prepare this exquisite dish using a Traeger grill, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Selecting the Perfect Duck

Choosing the right duck is the first step towards a successful roast. Opt for a fresh or properly thawed domestic duck, typically weighing between 5-6 pounds. This size is ideal for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Preparing the Duck

Preparation is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin and succulent meat. Start by removing any giblets and excess fat from the duck. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual blood or impurities. Pat the duck dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is as dry as possible, which helps in achieving a crispier texture.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings

Seasoning the duck properly elevates its natural flavors. Use a generous amount of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub both inside and outside the duck. This blend of spices enhances the duck's savory profile, making every bite a burst of flavor. Stuff the cavity with quartered onion, orange slices, and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary. These aromatics infuse the meat with subtle, complementary flavors during roasting.

Grill

Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for slow roasting. Insert a meat probe into the thickest part of the duck's thigh, avoiding the bone to get an accurate temperature reading. Place the duck directly on the grill grates and let it roast for 2.5 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process renders the fat, crisps the skin, and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

If the skin hasn't browned to your liking by the end of the cooking time, increase the grill temperature to 375°F and roast for a few more minutes. This final step ensures a beautifully golden, crispy skin.

The Final Touch: Resting and Serving

Once the duck reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest under a loose tent of foil for 30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. After resting, carve the duck and serve it with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

Fire-roasting a duck on a Traeger grill is more than just cooking; it's creating an experience. The process, from preparation to the final bite, is a journey of flavors and textures that delight the senses. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe is sure to impress and elevate your outdoor cooking game. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of fire-roasted duck, and make every meal a memorable one.