Roast Duck

1. Prepare the Duck

Carefully remove any excess fat from the cavity of the duck and make several incisions in the skin of the legs and breast.

2. Season the Duck

Generously season the duck inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Do this a day in advance and let the duck rest at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.

3. Initial Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the duck breast side up in a roasting pan. Roast it for 20 minutes.

4. Turn and Drain Fat

Turn the duck onto its breast and continue roasting for another 20 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven and drain the fat.

5. Final Roasting

Turn the duck breast side up again and roast for an additional 20 minutes. The duck is done when the meat next to the bone is pink but not raw.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the duck rest for 10 minutes, then carve using a sharp carving knife and serve immediately.