This roast duck recipe is so delicious. Stuffed with apples and rice, it’s perfect for your holiday spread or as the main dish at your next dinner party!

Roasted duck on a serving tray with greens

The first time I tried roasted duck at my sister’s house, I was completely overtaken with the rich flavor. She stuffed the duck with apples, which seemed unusual at first but once I took a bite it completely clicked. The light sweetness it added to the meat was to die for and the moisture from the apples made the meat so juicy and tender.

Brown rice works as the perfect stuffing for this duck. Not only is it super healthy, but it also soaks up the duck fat so well. After baking, the rice itself is so flavorful you could call it a pilaf. YUM!

If you’re feeling a little lost on where you can purchase a whole duck, I picked this one up from Costco. Sometimes they only sell it during the holidays, so you might have to venture out to the local butcher to pick one up. Most Asian specialty food stores will also have duck in stock.

How to Make Stuffed Duck Recipe

Making this stuffed duck requires a little patience and just a few simple steps. Below, find a brief overview of the recipe before you dive in.

  • Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, onion, and seasoning.
  • Clean and Marinate the Duck: Rinse the duck under cool water in the sink and pat it dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, rub the duck with marinade and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the fridge and allow the duck to marinate overnight.
  • Stuff the Duck: Wipe off any excess marinade. Stuff the duck with rice, followed by the slices of carrots and apples.
  • Bake the Duck: Bake the duck at 300°F for about 90 minutes in a shallow baking dish, or until the skin turns golden brown.
  • Slice and Serve: Remove the carrots and apples from the cavity. Slice, serve, and enjoy with friends and family!

Tips & Tricks

Here you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to make the most delicious roasted stuffed duck.

  • Clean and pat the duck dry before marinating it. Rinsing the duck under cool water and patting it dry of excess moisture will help the marinade do its job.
  • Marinate the duck overnight. The mayonnaise-based marinade will make the duck fall-off-the-bone tender if you allow it to set overnight. It’s worth the wait!
  • Place the carrots and apples on top of the rice. When stuffing the duck, place the carrots and apples on top of the rice so you can easily remove them before serving.
Roasted duck on a serving tray with greens

Serving Stuffed Duck

While stuffed duck is wonderful served during the holidays, it’s also a great dish to make year round. Pair it with your favorite veggie side dish, like air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon or crispy roasted cabbage steaks, for a fancy weekend dinner. If you’re whipping it up for the holidays, serve it alongside the usual suspects like creamy mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus, as well as a beautiful shaved brussels sprout salad with all the toppings.

Storing Stuffed Duck

Whether you’re refrigerating your duck for meals throughout the week or freezing some slices for a quick meal, find all the tips and tricks you need to know here.

  • Refrigerator: If you plan to eat your duck within a week, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • Freezer: If you want to have duck on hand for up to 3 months, store it in a sealable bag in the freezer. Make sure to empty the bag of any air to prevent freezer burn.

FAQ

How long does it take to roast a stuffed duck?

It takes about 90 minutes to roast a duck that weighs 4-5 pounds.

At what temperature should I roast stuffed duck?

You should roast duck at 300°F. This temperature is low enough that the bird won’t burn, but high enough to give the skin a nice crispy.

Do I need to debone the duck?

You do not need to debone duck before baking it. Roasting the duck whole not only makes for a wonderful presentation, but the bones also help to flavor the meat and keep it moist.

How do I keep my duck from turning out dry?

The best way to keep a duck from turning out dry is stuffing it with fruits and veggies. During baking, the moisture from the fruits and veggies will seep into the flesh of the duck, making it both flavorful and moist.

Do I need to cover the duck with aluminum foil during roasting?

No, you do not need to cover the duck with aluminum foil during roasting. This will prevent the skin from crisping up and increase the cooking time.

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.