Perfect Complements: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Duck Breast

Duck breast is very lean meat, which leaves it slightly different from what you might be used to.

It’s also high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent option for the diet conscious.

The key to cooking duck breast (and what to serve with duck breast) is not overcooking or undercooking it.

This blog post will discuss what to serve with duck breast and provide some creative ideas for preparing it.

What is Duck Breast?

The breast of a duck is the meat from the underside, which can be roasted or fried.

The most common method for cooking is to pan-sear with some oil and finish it off in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until done.

While frying, there are two techniques: searing and baking.

In both cases, you want to use as little oil as possible because too much will produce an overly greasy dish.

These recipes call for skinless breasts, but if you prefer your food fattier, go ahead and leave that on.

Duck Breasts are traditionally served with a sauce, such as cherry with red wine and juniper berries or green peppercorns in white wine.

You can also serve these with a sweet sauce such as raspberry or plum.

What to Serve with Duck Breast? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Duck breast is rich and flavorful meat with unmatched crispiness that makes it perfect for appetizers.

The delicacy of the duck alone can be daunting to some, so adding side dishes helps not only balance out flavors but also provides complimentary textures.

For those who are looking for ways to increase their meal’s nutritional value without sacrificing taste, consider serving these eight accompaniments with your next dinner of roasted or grilled duck:

1 . Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Every time I prepare duck, I always take the opportunity to serve it with roasted Brussel sprouts.

They pair wonderfully together because their flavors are so complementary, and they both have a crispy texture that is perfect for appetizers.

Roasting these Brussels gives off an incredible aroma and adds the buttery flavor of browned sugar or honey (depending on what you prefer), which lends itself nicely to a poultry dish like roasted duck breast.

The addition of shallots makes them even tastier.

Brussels Sprouts are high in fiber and boast phytonutrients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, and folic acid.

Their antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation and may also help prevent cancer.

Duck is a great source of lean protein and iron, zinc, and omega fatty acids that are important for healthy skin.

There’s always room on your plate to enjoy this side dish.

2 . Grilled Asparagus

I love to serve grilled asparagus with duck because it adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

Grilling the vegetables makes them taste sweeter and enhances their natural flavors while bringing out the hidden sugars in each stalk.

Grilled asparagus is a low-calorie meal that’s loaded with vitamin A (beta carotene), C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.

It also contains significant levels of iron which can help prevent anemia.

The magnesium found in this vegetable promotes healthy bones by strengthening bone density and preventing stress fractures.

Plus, they’re just so darn tasty no one will ever know you’ve been good all day long.

3 . Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Almonds

This is a great accompaniment to duck breast because the rice becomes soft once cooked, which adds comfort value to the dish while also giving it some texture without being too heavy.

The fruit in this recipe contrasts nicely against the richness of the meat by adding sweetness which balances out its savory flavor while making for an enjoyable eating experience that’s both comforting and pleasurable.

The nuts give extra crunch and add more protein as well as fiber, so it fills you up better and keeps you fuller longer – ensuring your hunger doesn’t come back sooner than expected.

4 . Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Garlic, and Parsley

Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Garlic, and Parsley is a deceptively simple dish that can take many forms.

There are mashed potatoes with garlic butter that add nutrition and flavor to this classic comfort food preparation.

Mashed potatoes with butter may also be served as an accompaniment for dishes like roasted chicken or duck breasts instead of fries.

The addition of garlic adds depth to the dish’s richness, while parsley provides a fresh green note that balances out the earthy flavors.

Using both at once ensures each taste will be noticeable in every bite without overpowering one another’s delicate nuances.

5. Creamy Polenta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Cheese

A rich, creamy polenta dish is essential for any duck dinner.

This recipe will ensure the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that don’t overpower the delicate taste of your meal preparation.

If you’re a fan of duck but not so much on cornmeal, this may be right up your alley.

It’s soft enough to provide a nice contrast in texture with our firm-fleshed poultry while still being able to stand out as an individual flavor component–a feat given its humble origins as grain cooked with water.

The cooking process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it one of those “set it and forget it” type dishes that make running a kitchen just a little easier.

You can even make it the day before and reheat to serve, making this a perfect dish for company.

The recipe uses fresh herbs (herb gardeners take note) as well as parmesan cheese–just enough each time you sprinkle.

The refreshing flavors balance the salty kick of Parmesan in our herb blend: parsley, sage, thyme, chives, and oregano.

You’ll want to have all these ingredients on hand because they show up periodically throughout other recipes too.

And believe me when I say that once your taste buds get familiar with them, they won’t be able to resist coming back again and again.

6. Steamed Broccoli Rabe with Lemon Zest and Chiles

When we do events, it is always nice to serve a side dish that pairs well with the main protein.

One of my favorites for this purpose is vegetables such as broccoli rabe and other greens.

They work especially well when they have been cooked so that their flavor intensifies.

The best way I’ve found to cook them is in a steamer basket set over boiling water or broth.

You can also steam them on an oven tray set over simmering water; check occasionally and make sure there’s adequate liquid below (especially if you’re using the oven method).

While still retaining its considerable nutritional value, steamed broccoli tastes better than boiled without adding any fat at all–perfect for dieters.

7. Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a staple dish for the Christmas season.

It can be made with either canned green beans or fresh ones, but it’s best to use fresh if you have them on hand.

When served with duck breast, it’s a dish that will impress everyone at the table and is perfect for any celebration.

The rich flavor of the duck goes well with this earthy side dish.

It also pairs nicely with mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese to round out your meal.

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make this dish and how fast it will disappear.

8. Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms

Spinach is a leafy green, and when it’s cooked down with cream, butter, or sour cream, it becomes rich and creamy- just like creamed spinach.

Creamed Spinach & Mushrooms is one of the most classic accompaniments to roast duck because its color resembles a nicely roasted bird skin.

It also tastes great alongside other poultry, such as chicken breasts or turkey cutlets.

If you’re not cooking up some duck breast for dinner tonight, then this side dish will go well with any lean meat (and even fish) for an elegant yet comforting meal.

A thick, velvety sauce is created by cooking the spinach and mushrooms in a mixture of butter, flour, and milk.

Once it’s thickened to your liking, just stir through some sharp cheddar cheese until melted for that extra bit of tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Duck has been enjoyed for centuries, from the time of ancient Rome to the modern-day.

Duck meat is an excellent source of protein and iron.

Duck breast also has lower fat content than other poultry, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-fat diet.

But what does one serve with duck? There are plenty of delicious options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed the list down to eight side dishes that will pair wonderfully well with your next meal featuring this delectable dish.

Give them a try and find your favorite.

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