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

  1. 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.
  2. Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat from the neck and cavity.
  3. 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

  1. Mix the salt, pepper, and five-spice powder (if using). Rub the mixture all over the duck, including inside the cavity.
  2. Stuff the cavity with the halved garlic, orange pieces, and thyme or rosemary sprigs.
  3. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and orange juice. Set aside for basting.

Roast in the Pizza Oven

  1. 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.
  2. Place the roasting pan in the pizza oven. Turn it occasionally to ensure even cooking, as pizza ovens can have hot spots.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  1. 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!