Elevate your dinner table with this Heart-Healthy Crispy Roast Duck Leg recipe, where indulgence meets wellness. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, the duck legs are roasted to golden-brown perfection, ensuring irresistibly crispy skin. A drizzle of olive oil and finishing touches of lemon slices provide vibrant flavor while maintaining a heart-healthy profile. Preparing this dish is a breeze, with a simple spice rub and oven-roasting technique that allows excess fat to drain, leaving behind a succulent yet lighter meal. Ideal for two, serve these delectable duck legs alongside sautéed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced, gourmet experience tailored to your health-conscious lifestyle. Perfect for keywords such as "crispy roast duck," "heart-healthy dinner," and "easy duck recipe."
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the duck legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if necessary.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Rub the olive oil over the duck legs, ensuring an even coat, then rub the spice mixture over both sides of the duck legs.
Place the duck legs on a baking rack set inside a roasting pan. This will allow the fat to drain, keeping the skin crispy.
Slice the lemon into thin rounds and place them over the duck legs.
Scatter fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs around and slightly under the duck legs.
Roast the duck legs in the oven for about 90 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, checking to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Remove the duck legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with a side of lightly sautéed greens or a fresh salad to maintain the heart-healthy focus.
Calories |
1842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.1 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.7 g | 254% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 420 mg | 140% | |
| Sodium | 2680 mg | 117% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.5 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 96.2 g | 192% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 88 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1163 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.