What Goes Good With Duck – 12 Interesting Dishes to Try
It’s hard to go wrong with duck. This poultry is both flavorful and versatile, making it the perfect main dish for any meal. But what goes good with duck?
That’s a question that many people have, and it can be tough to determine what side dishes will pair well with this protein.
In this article, we’ll explain what recipes go well as their side dish. We want you to be able to easily determine what side dishes will go best with your recipe.
Let’s start!
What Goes Good With Duck
- Rice Pilaf
- Creamed Spinach With Mushroom
- Grilled Asparagus
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Vegetables
- Orange Sauce
- Glazed Carrots
- Polenta
- Mashed Pumpkin
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Dauphinoise Potatoes
- Arugula Salad
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a popular side dish that can be used with a variety of different recipes. Duck is especially well-suited to rice pilaf, as the two dishes share a common origin in Asian cuisine.
Rice pilaf is rich in nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal. It is also relatively easy to prepare, and can be cooked in advance and reheated when necessary.
When pairing rice pilaf with duck, it is important to choose a recipe that complements the flavors of the dish.
For instance, a sweet and sour sauce would not be an ideal choice for rice pilaf, as it would overpower the delicate flavor of the rice. Instead, a simple vinaigrette or light broth would be more suitable.
In terms of other side dishes, rice pilaf compares favorably to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. It is less filling than mashed potatoes, and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a more versatile option.
Creamed Spinach With Mushroom
Creamed spinach is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with many different main courses. This versatile dish can be made with fresh or frozen spinach, and the addition of mushrooms makes it a hearty and filling option.
While creamed spinach is often served as a side dish for duck, it can also be enjoyed with chicken, pork, or beef. The rich and creamy flavor of the spinach pairs well with the savory flavors of duck, and the mushrooms add a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
When choosing a recipe for creamed spinach, it is important to select one that includes fresh ingredients and simple seasonings. This will allow the natural flavors of spinach and mushrooms to shine through.
Moreover, cream-based sauces can be heavy and overpowering, so choosing a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness is important.
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus is a popular side dish for many different types of poultry, but it pairs especially well with duck. The rich, fatty flavor of duck is offset by the freshness of asparagus, and the grilled texture provides a nice contrast to the meat.
Asparagus is also a healthy choice, providing plenty of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.
When choosing asparagus for a side dish, look for spears that are firm and bright green. Additionally, avoid any spears that are wilted or have brown spots.
On another note, to prepare the asparagus, simply snap off the woody ends and grill over high heat for a few minutes until tender. Then serve alongside your favorite duck recipe for a complete meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Many side dishes can be served alongside duck, but roasted Brussels sprouts are a particularly good option. There are several reasons for this.
First of all, the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, which acts as a nice contrast to the richness of the duck.
Additionally, the roasted Brussels sprouts can help to absorb some of the fat from the duck, making the dish as a whole healthier.
Finally, roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of other ingredients, such as roasted potatoes or cranberry sauce. As a result, they can easily be incorporated into many different recipes.
Roasted Vegetables
Duck is a rich, flavorful meat that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. One of my personal favorites is roasted vegetables.
Roasted vegetables are a great way to add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meal. They are also fairly easy to prepare. Simply preheat your oven to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, chop your vegetables into bite-size pieces, and toss with olive oil and salt.
Then spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Some of my favorite vegetables to roast are Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots. However, you can use any vegetable that you like.
When pairing roasted vegetables with duck, I recommend choosing a recipe that has a bold or salty flavor profile to balance out the richness of the duck.
For example, the Roasted Duck Breast with Orange-Soy Glaze would be deliciously served with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Or you could try this Smoked Duck Leg with Cherry Sauce, which would be lovely paired with roasted carrots.
Orange Sauce
The orange sauce is a versatile side dish that can be used with a variety of duck recipes. The benefits of using the orange sauce as a side dish include the fact that it can help to balance out the richness of the duck, and it also adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
The orange sauce is also suitable to be used with other poultry dishes, as well as pork and lamb.
When choosing a recipe to pair with orange sauce, it is important to keep in mind that the sauce will add a bit of sweetness to the dish. As a result, it is best to pair the orange sauce with recipes that are not already too sweet.
Additionally, the orange sauce may cause the duck to cook more quickly, so it is important to keep an eye on the cooking time when using this side dish.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish that can be used with a variety of different main courses.
One of the benefits of using glazed carrots as a side dish is that they are relatively easy to prepare.
In most cases, all you need to do is coat the carrots in a sweet glaze and then roast them in the oven. This simple cooking method helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them a delicious and healthful addition to any meal.
Additionally, glazed carrots can be used as a versatile side dish. For instance, they can be paired with roasted meats such as duck or pork, or they can be served alongside hearty stews and casseroles.
Polenta
Polenta is a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is made from cornmeal, which is ground into a coarse powder and then cooked into a thick porridge.
Polenta can be served hot or cold and can be flavored with cheese, herbs, or vegetables. It is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber and can be a healthy alternative to rice or pasta.
When paired with duck, polenta makes an excellent side dish because it complements the rich flavor of the duck without overwhelming it. The creamy texture of the polenta also helps to balance the tenderness of the duck meat.
Moreover, polenta can be served hot or cold and can be flavored with cheese, herbs, or vegetables. It is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber and can be a healthy alternative to rice or pasta.
Mashed Pumpkin
Though most commonly associated with sweet pies and Halloween, pumpkins can make a delicious savory side dish when properly prepared. When mashed and seasoned with savory spices like sage and thyme, pumpkin pairs particularly well with duck.
The rich, earthy flavor of the pumpkin helps to offset the gaminess of the duck, while the natural sweetness of the pumpkin helps to bring out the richness of the duck’s flavor.
In addition, the creamy texture of the pumpkin mash helps to temper the duck’s fatty skin. As a result, mashed pumpkin makes an excellent side dish for a duck.
When pairing mashed pumpkin with duck, it is important to use a recipe that calls for minimal sugar or sweetness. Otherwise, the dish will be too sweet and cloying.
Instead, focus on using savory spices to enhance the flavor of both the pumpkin and the duck. Sage, thyme, and even a touch of cayenne pepper can all help to elevate this simple side dish.
Mashed pumpkin can also be used as a base for other recipes. For example, it can be used instead of mashed potatoes in shepherd’s pie or added to stuffing for an extra dose of fall flavor.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
There are many reasons to choose mashed sweet potatoes as a side dish for a duck. First, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients, providing vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and fiber. They also have a natural sweetness that can help to offset the richness of the duck.
In addition, mashed sweet potatoes can be easily adapted to a variety of different recipes. For example, they can be flavored with herbs or spices, or used as a base for a savory or sweet sauce.
Additionally, mashed sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of other side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or grain salads.
Finally, mashed sweet potatoes are generally quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Dauphinoise potatoes are a classic French side dish that can be used with a variety of main courses, including duck.
The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered in a baking dish with cream and cheese, then baked until golden brown.
Moreover, dauphinoise potatoes are creamy and rich, and their flavor pairs well with the fatty richness of the duck.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is a deliciously simple side dish that is perfect for a duck. The peppery flavor of the arugula pairs perfectly with the rich, fatty duck, and the acidic dressing helps to cut through the richness of the meat.
Arugula salad is also an incredibly healthy dish, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Additionally, it is a very versatile dish that can be easily adapted to different flavors and ingredients. For example, you could add some fresh fruit, nuts, or cheese to the salad to change things up.
Conclusion
Many delicious side dishes pair well with duck. When choosing a side dish, it is important to consider the flavors of the duck and what will help to balance them out.
Each of the dishes listed above has a unique flavor that can help to round out a duck dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Go try out some of these side dishes and see for yourself how good they are!