How to Cook Thai-Style Duck in a Thick Spicy Curry

Cooking Thai-style duck in a thick spicy curry is a delicious and exciting way to explore the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. This dish is rich, comforting, and is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Below, you will find a detailed guide on how to prepare this flavorful dish.

Ingredients You Will Need:

1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds), cut into pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2-3 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to your spice preference)
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
2 cups chicken or duck broth
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
2-3 Kaffir lime leaves, torn
2-3 Thai basil leaves
2-3 red or green Thai chilies, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Juice of 1 lime
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Duck

Start by cleaning the duck pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any impurities and excess fat.

Step 2: Searing the Duck

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the duck pieces, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. This will help to enhance the flavor of the duck.

Step 3: Making the Curry Base

Remove the duck pieces from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the red curry paste, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases the essential oils from the spices in the paste.

Step 4: Adding Coconut Milk and Broth

Pour in the can of coconut milk and the chicken or duck broth, mixing well with the curry paste to create a luscious base. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cooking the Duck

Return the seared duck pieces to the pot. Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, and torn Kaffir lime leaves. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Cover the pot and let the curry simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the duck is tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the duck is tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the lime juice and Thai basil leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more fish sauce or sugar if needed. If you prefer a thicker curry, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serving

Serve the Thai-style duck curry hot over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced Thai chilies for extra heat and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Thai-Style Duck Curry:

Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red curry paste and chilies.
For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, eggplants, or bamboo shoots during the cooking process.
Allow the curry to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

This Thai-style duck in thick spicy curry is a wonderful blend of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a memorable dish for any occasion. Enjoy the rich taste of Thailand right from your kitchen!