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Duck Bigarade

This classic duck bigarade is a sophisticated French dish that expertly balances the rich, savoury notes of pan-seared duck with a sharp, aromatic citrus sauce. By using Seville oranges and a touch of orange liqueur, the sauce achieves a complex depth that cuts through the richness of the poultry perfectly. This dairy-free version relies on a traditional flour and duck-fat roux to create a silky, glossy finish that feels truly indulgent without the need for butter.

An ideal choice for a formal dinner party or a celebratory weekend meal, this elegant main course is surprisingly simple to prepare once the duck is resting. Serve the sliced duck medallions over a pool of the vibrant sauce and garnish with fresh orange slices for a restaurant-quality presentation. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables or a simple mash to soak up every drop of the zesty gravy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Duck Bigarade

  • 1 1/2 to 900g duck breasts

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon plain flour

  • 240ml Basic Duck Stock or chicken stock

  • Juice of 1 orange, preferably Seville (120ml )

  • 1 shot glass Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur, optional

  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or sherry vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • Grated zest of 1 orange

  • 1/2 sweet orange, quartered and thinly sliced

How to make Duck Bigarade

Remove the duck breasts from the refrigerator, salt them well, and set them aside at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Pan sear the duck breasts. You may have to do this in batches. When the breasts are cooked, set them aside skin side up on a cutting board and let them rest, tented with aluminum foil, while you make the sauce.

To make the sauce, pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan and place the pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to combine and make a roux. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, until it is the colour of coffee with cream.

Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine, then slowly stir in the stock, orange juice, liqueur, and vinegar. Everything will spatter at first, but it will calm down. Add any accumulated juices from the duck to the sauce. Let this boil down until it is a little thinner than the consistency of Thanksgiving gravy. Add the sugar, then taste and adjust with salt. If you want a more refined sauce, pour it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

To serve, slice the breasts. Spoon some sauce on each plate and top with breast slices. Garnish with the orange zest and orange slices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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