Pan-Grilled Duck Breasts with Balsamic Jus Recipe

Pan-Grilled Duck Breasts with Balsamic Jus Recipe

  • 4 boneless duck breasts or 6-ounce pork tenderloins
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons canola or safflower oil
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups good-quality chicken broth or mushroom broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  1. Remove the skin from the duck breasts and discard. Melt the butter and oil in a large, nonstick grill pan over medium heat. Add the duck breasts and cook 5 to 8 minutes per side, or until medium-rare, adding more oil if necessary. (If you are substituting pork tenderloins, cook 5 to 10 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F in the thickest part.) Transfer the duck breasts to a grooved carving board; cover and set aside.
  2. Add the wine and the vinegar to the grill pan and boil uncovered 5 minutes. Add the broth and boil 5 minutes longer, or until reduced and just thickened. (This is not a thick gravy; pan juices should be slightly watery and thin.)
  3. Carve each breast into 1/2 inch-thick slices on the diagonal. Arrange slices fan style on plates and drizzle with pan jus. Alternatively, pass the jus at the table.