During this August heat, I am making light meals that are easy to make. I was fortunate to receive a package from Saucy Mama with several excellent marinades and dressings that helped me create some delicious quick dinners. Today, I would like to share the dish that we liked the most - Lime Chipotle Marinated Duck Breasts. As a result of using the Saucy Mama's® Lime Chipotle Marinade, the duck was very tender and had a terrific citrus and smoky flavor with a touch of spice, giving it a Tex-Mex flare. A refreshing nectarine salsa and delicious Mexican-style rice complimented the duck very nicely.
Ingredients: (yields 2 dinner servings or 4 small plates)
duck
2 small duck breasts (Maple Leaf Farms Boneless Duck Breast)
1 cup Saucy Mama's® Lime Chipotle Marinade
Salt, pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
salsa
1 nectarine, sliced in small chunks
1 green onion, sliced
1 tablespoon red pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt, pepper to taste
rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
Salt to taste, pinch of Cayenne pepper
1/2 cup rice
1 cup stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
Directions:
duck
In a shallow container, place the duck breasts, and pour the Lime Chipotle Marinade over. Refrigerate for at least two or three hours.
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Discard from marinade and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a oven-proof skillet. Place the duck breasts skin down and pan-fry until the skin turns golden brown. Place the skillet in the oven and roast the duck breasts for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare. Let the duck breasts rest for 5 minutes, then take the skin off (if desired) and thinly slice, diagonally on a bias.
salsa
In a small bowl, combine nectarine chunks, green onion, red pepper. Season with salt and pepper, then add olive oil and lime juice and mix well.
rice
In a small pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and chipotle chili powder and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add rice, tomato paste, and stock. Season with salt and add a pinch of Cayenne pepper. Mix well. Bring to boil, then lower the heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all liquids are absorbed.
assembly
Place a portion of rice in a center of the plate and arrange the duck bread slices around. Top with nectarine salsa.
