Roast Duck
Cooking a duck in a pizza oven gives it a crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavourful meat. This roast duck recipe is tailored for the high heat and unique environment of a pizza oven.
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (4–5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp five-spice powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp orange juice or lemon juice
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- 1 orange, quartered
- 3–4 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
Prepare the Duck
- Preheat your pizza oven to 245°C–260°C. If using a wood-fired pizza oven, ensure the flames are low and the heat is even throughout.
- Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat from the neck and cavity.
- Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Season the Duck
- Mix the salt, pepper, and five-spice powder (if using). Rub the mixture all over the duck, including inside the cavity.
- Stuff the cavity with the halved garlic, orange pieces, and thyme or rosemary sprigs.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and orange juice. Set aside for basting.
Roast in the Pizza Oven
- Place the duck breast-side up on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Add a small amount of water (about ½ cup) to the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
- Place the roasting pan in the pizza oven. Turn it occasionally to ensure even cooking, as pizza ovens can have hot spots.
- Roast the duck for 35–45 minutes, basting with the honey-soy glaze every 10–15 minutes after the first 20 minutes.
Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the duck. The thickest part of the breast should reach 68°C, and the thighs should reach 74°C.
- If necessary, rotate the pan or adjust its position for even browning.
Rest and Serve
Remove the duck from the pizza oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Slice and serve with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted duck with crispy skin and rich, tender meat, cooked to perfection in a pizza oven!


