Hunan Smoked Duck

Hunan Smoked Duck is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the deep, rich taste of smoked duck with the bold spices characteristic of Hunan cuisine. This dish is perfect for those looking for a unique Paleo BBQ experience that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

• Duck breast - 2 pieces (approximately 300g each)
• Coarse sea salt - 2 tablespoons
• Hunan chili paste - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Coconut aminos - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Smoked tea leaves (Lapsang Souchong) - 2 tablespoons
• Cilantro - for garnish

Steps

1. Start by preparing the duck breasts; score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat.
2. Rub the duck breasts generously with coarse sea salt, ensuring it gets into the scored skin. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. In a small bowl, mix Hunan chili paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and black pepper to create a marinade.
4. After 30 minutes, rinse the salt off the duck breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
5. Marinate the duck breasts with the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
6. While the duck is marinating, prepare your smoking setup. Place the smoked tea leaves in a small dish or aluminum foil packet and set it in your smoker or stovetop smoker.
7. Preheat the smoker to medium heat, and once it's ready, place the marinated duck breasts skin-side up on the grill rack.
8. Smoke the duck for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
9. Once done, remove the duck from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve the smoked duck garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein, which aids in muscle repair and growth.
• Contains healthy fats that support brain health and hormone production.

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