What to serve with duck breast can be just as important as the cooking method itself.
A delicious side dish can complement the rich flavor of the duck and bring the meal to the next level.
Many people avoid cooking with duck because they do not know what to do with it, but if you are willing to step outside your culinary comfort zone, you will be rewarded handsomely.
Duck breast is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
It is known for its rich, flavorful taste and tender texture, making it a popular choice for casual and formal dining.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with duck breast.
So, whether you’re planning a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, we’ve got you covered with various options to make your duck breast meal a success.
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What to Serve With Duck Breast
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to serve with duck breast, there are many options to choose from that will complement its bold flavor.
1. Roasted root vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, are a great side dish for duck breast.
The natural sweetness of these vegetables balances the richness of the duck and adds an earthy, comforting flavor to the meal.
2. Grilled or sautéed greens
Grilled or sautéed greens, such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard, are a healthy and flavorful side dish for duck breast.
The greens add a fresh, crisp flavor to the meal and provide a great contrast to the richness of the duck.
3. Salad
A fresh and crisp salad is a great side dish for duck breast. Try a mixed greens salad with seasonal fruits, such as pears or grapes, for a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich duck.
A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent choice for a summer meal.
4. Risotto
A creamy risotto is a great way to complement the rich flavor of duck breast. Try a butternut squash or wild mushroom risotto for a warm, comforting side dish.
5. Grilled or roasted fruit
Grilled or roasted fruit, such as peaches, plums, or cherries, are a great side dish for duck breast.
The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs well with the rich flavor of the duck, and the fruit adds a fresh and juicy element to the meal.
6. Starchy sides
Starchy sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or polenta, are a great way to balance the richness of the duck.
These sides provide a comforting and filling base for the meal and help absorb the flavorful juices from the duck.
7. Green beans and mashed potatoes
This quick and easy side dish complements the flavorful, rich duck breast. Simple options that only require a little preparation include mashed potatoes with perfectly cooked and seasoned green beans.
8. Salad with spinach and mushrooms
This delectable side dish is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Duck meat pairs well with any salad, but spinach and mushroom salad is a must-try.
Duck meat can be a heavy dish, so serving it with a lighter side dish will keep the meal from being too heavy.
9. The Roasted Pepper Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts, and Basil
Serve your roast duck breast with a delicious, colorful side salad of roasted pepper with feta, pine nuts, and basil.
Adds some Salty olives for a delectable blend of flavors and textures
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10. Roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze
Roast your favorite vegetables, such as celery, courgette, or carrots, in the same flavored balsamic vinegar you used to season the duck breast. This side dish will go perfectly with your meat.
Also, roast the vegetables with fresh herbs at medium heat for a nice crispy dish.
11. Brussels sprouts roasted in duck fat
Brussel sprouts have a crunchy texture, making them an excellent match for your tender duck breast.
It is one of the most convenient side dishes because you can cook it in the same pan as your main course.
The duck fat enhances the flavor of the brussels sprouts while also giving them a crunchy texture.
This cruciferous food is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Pak choi sautéed
Pak choi has a great crunch and is a good option for what to serve with duck breast when you want a lighter, summery meal.
To make this side dish sing, pan-fried with garlic and squeezed in some fresh lemon juice.
13. Mashed Pumpkin
Are you planning a fall feast? With this pumpkin recipe, you can combine the season’s best flavors.
This is especially good when serving duck with sauce because it is creamy and silky smooth.
The thick mash can soak up all that delicious juice, significantly increasing the yum factor.
14. Potatoes Dauphinoise
If you have ever had Dauphinoise potatoes, you will understand how sumptuous they are!
Slow-roasted potato slices with garlic and lashings of cream, this dish is the ultimate in decadence and a solid choice for impressing your dinner guests.
This will be a filling meal paired with duck breast, so skip dessert or choose something light and simple, like a fruit sorbet or vanilla ice cream.
15. Butternut squash gnocchi
Making your gnocchi takes more than 30 minutes, but the effort will be worth it once you bite into these pillowy soft dumplings.
Frying the gnocchi in a simple brown butter sage sauce brings out the naturally nutty flavors of the butternut squash and adds a nice crisp texture to the outside.
16. Sweet potato and kale gratin
A gratin is a way to go if you want something decadent with your pan-seared duck breast.
The creamy bechamel sauce and tender sweet potatoes combine to make a comforting but elegant side dish.
And the addition of nutrient-dense kale makes this dish slightly healthier than your average gratin.
17. Orange Sauce
A simple sauce made from orange juice, zest, sugar, and red wine, this citrusy sauce is perfect for cutting through the richness of the duck.
18. Hoisin Sauce
A traditional Asian sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices, hoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the duck.
19. Salad of Blood Orange, Fennel, and Avocado with Lemon Citronette
Yup, another salad! This one-of-a-kind salad will make you reconsider your relationship with leafy greens.
Forget about limp lettuce. Combine your greens with tangy goat cheese, creamy avocado, sweet blood oranges, and sliced almonds to make this decadent side.
Fennel adds a subtle sweet note, finishing the dish with a zesty lemon dressing.
Think again if you thought salads could have been more exciting.
20. Potato Wedges
Do you want golden brown, crunchy potatoes but do not want fries? Wedge potatoes are a healthier, easier way to get crispy potatoes on the table.
These delectable oven-baked wedges are soft and fluffy inside and have a herby seasoned crust.
Toss the sliced potatoes with garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
Spread them on a baking sheet and set them aside until they are fork-tender.
21. French carrot salad
I have never been more enthusiastic about carrots than when I first tried this traditional French dish.
It has the perfect flavor balance, with the carrots’ natural sweetness offset by peppery parsley and a tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
22. Cherry Sauce
Cherry sauce is made with fresh or frozen cherries, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and spices. This sweet and tangy sauce complements the richness of the duck perfectly.
23. Port Wine Sauce
A classic pairing, port wine sauce reduces port wine, chicken or beef stock, and spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
24. Balsamic Reduction
A reduction made from balsamic vinegar, sugar, and spices, this sweet and tangy sauce is a versatile option that can be used to glaze the duck or drizzle over the top.
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Wrapping Up
Duck breast is a versatile and flavorful protein that can be paired with various side dishes to create a delicious and memorable meal.
Whether you serve it with crisp roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangy fruit compote, there is something to suit every taste.
To enhance the flavors of the duck, consider glazing it with a sauce made from fruit or balsamic vinegar or adding spices and herbs to the cooking process.
With so many options, you will surely find the perfect accompaniment to this rich and succulent dish.
Ultimately, the best side to serve with duck breast will depend on your tastes and the flavors you want to enhance in the dish.
So experiment, and find the perfect pairing to elevate your next duck breast meal to the next level!
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