So there’s duck on the restaurant menu, and that means two things. The first thought that comes to mind is that duck is expensive. And then the second thought what does duck taste like really?
If you can relate, then don’t worry because this is just a normal reaction. I can help you get the answer to the second question though. I mean it’s common to think that duck has a weird or unusual taste, unlike chicken. No wonder so many people end up ordering for something known and familiar.
But then if that’s the route even you intend on taking, then how are you ever going to taste anything new! However, at the same time, it’s good to be prepared. It’s always a smart idea to know what’s coming for you, right? So let’s talk duck!
What Does Duck Taste Like – The Flavor of Duck Meat
Poultry includes duck, did you know that? Even though duck’s poultry, you cannot compare it with turkey or chicken. But why is that? Probably because the amount of meat you get with duck is much less. So don’t expect a single duck to be sufficient for an entire family with hungry, active teenagers.
Now let’s move on to what does duck taste like. The flavor is pretty strong, more like red meat and less like chicken. On top of that, duck meat contains more fat, which, only when you cook properly, takes the form of moist, tender protein packed with a delicious fatty taste. It’s appropriate, I think, to compare duck meat taste to that of steak or liver.
The skin on the meat is fattier and thicker in comparison to other poultry. And it’s your job, as the cook, to turn that fattier, thicker skin crispy and suffuse it with flavor. Otherwise, the fat becomes very rubbery, thus unpleasant to consume.
Also, leftover duck meat fat has a more subtle taste than a freshly cooked duck. The former is actually a by-product of the latter that can be used for adding a silky texture and umami flavor to meat and vegetables. Such as this duck fat roasted baby potatoes recipe.
What Does Duck Taste Like – Wild vs. Farmed
Farmed duck meat is a lot different than wild duck, no doubt about that. First off, the level of fat varies drastically. After all, farmed birds are never subjected to defend themselves. Meaning they don’t have to fight off other birds and creatures to survive, right? They barely even fly. Hence, the formation of a thick layer of fat, which you rarely get with wild duck.
When talking about wild ducks, the texture is never the same. With the wild version, you can never tell its age. The duck is tougher if it happens to be over 10 years old than a farmed one that’s only 10 weeks old.
The flavor of farmed ducks is nothing like that of wild ducks. The latter, much like every other wild creature, consumes a mix of all kinds of food. And this means they have gamier, stronger tasting protein.
Are Ducks A Popular Choice?
In America, duck has become a delicacy. More and more Americans are now consuming duck, which is indicative of how delicious and even healthy it is. The proof of the latter – an excellent source of zinc and selenium to improve cellular metabolism.
Storing Duck the Right Way to Preserve Its Original Flavor
You don’t really have to be a professional chef to know how to store duck meat properly. But you do have to get the job done right if you want to use that meat for delicious duck recipes later. Speaking of which, here’s a wildly popular one…
Now comes the part of storing duck. Freezer storage is the best at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen duck, in comparison to frozen turkey or chicken, preserves its structure better.
What about defrosting? Remove the duck from the freezer and place it into the refrigerator first. Leave it there overnight if you’re using only duck breast. But in the case of a whole duck, defrost in the fridge for 2 days. A quicker approach is to soak the frozen duck in a bowlful of cold water. Then make sure you change the water once every half an hour.
Duck Meat vs. Goose Meat
Duck and goose come from the same Anatidae waterfowl family. So it’s natural to assume they have almost the same taste. But is that assumption true? Nope, it’s not.
Duck meat is sweet and savory while goose meat, for the most part, is only sweet plus very juicy. The juiciness of goose meat is what’s so unique about it, particularly when cooked properly. And it’s juicier because of the fattier content. This makes goose even meatier and fuller.
In comparison to duck meat, goose meat is redder, hence has higher iron levels. Even the skin differs in that goose skin has a more crispy and crusty outer layer. But then it’s a lot softer than duck, all thanks to the extra-juicy quality of the meat.
What you may also want to know is that the duck is an omnivore. So the flesh is lighter colored than goose, and with a more wildlife, gamier taste. Whereas goose meat tastes darker with fattier meat content.
Duck Meat vs. Chicken Meat
Of all poultry choices, chicken meat is the least bit gamey in terms of flavor. Compared to duck, chicken has a very average taste. The best thing about duck meat is that its flavor stands out no matter the recipe. As for chicken, it’s more generic, much like turkey. Chicken meat requires spices and flavors in order to taste delicious. While duck meat is enjoyable on its own.
So here’s the thing – chicken is more neutral-flavored and lighter whereas duck is meaty and rich.
The EndNote
Duck meat is for everyone simply because it has a very desirable quality as far as its flavor and taste are concerned. The fat present between the flesh and skin adds a whole lot of richness.
On top of that, there are plenty of vitamins and minerals along with magnesium, zinc, etc. to boost health as well. So you have more than just one reason to consume delicious duck!