Duck Breast With Sauerkraut Recipe

This elegant Duck Breast with Sauerkraut pairs crispy-skinned, juicy duck with warm, tangy sauerkraut simmered with onions, caraway, and optional apples for a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive meal, the combination of rich duck and bright sauerkraut is balanced beautifully with a simple Dijon mustard sauce or a touch of honey. Serve it with roasted vegetables or crusty bread for a restaurant-worthy plate at home.

Duck Breast With Sauerkraut Recipe Ingredients

For the Duck Breast:

2 duck breasts skin-on
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or duck fat

For the Sauerkraut:

2 cups sauerkraut preferably from a jar or homemade
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
1 apple peeled, cored, and chopped (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar optional
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce (Optional):

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional for sweetness
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Duck Breast
Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
Score the skin of the duck breasts with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
Season both sides of the duck breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Duck Breast
Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the duck fat or olive oil.
Once the fat is hot, place the duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. You can press gently on the duck with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Flip the duck breasts and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done result.
Remove the duck from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy duck.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauerkraut
While the duck is resting, heat olive oil in another pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, apple (if using), and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together.
Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauerkraut is heated through and tender. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash of vinegar at the end.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Slice the rested duck breasts thinly against the grain.
Serve the duck breast slices on top of a generous portion of sauerkraut.
(Optional) Drizzle with your choice of mustard sauce or a simple drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Step 5:
Enjoy Serve the duck breast with sauerkraut hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.