Pato a la Barbacoa
Pato a la Barbacoa is a sumptuous Spanish BBQ dish featuring tender duck slow-cooked in a rich, smoky sauce. This gluten-free delight is perfect for a cozy dinner, bursting with traditional flavors and a hint of spice.

120 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Spanish
550 kcal
Ingredients
- Duck legs - 2 pieces (about 400g each)
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Oregano - 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder - 1 teaspoon
- Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
- Chicken broth - 250 ml
- White wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Fresh cilantro - for garnish
Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the duck legs with salt and black pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the duck from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aromas.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well, cooking for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine vinegar, mixing everything together.
- Return the duck legs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and let the duck simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Once cooked, remove the duck legs and let them rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, increase the heat to reduce the sauce for about 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve the duck legs drizzled with the thickened sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
- Total Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein, supporting muscle development and repair.
- Contains healthy fats that can contribute to heart health.
Tags
SpanishGluten-FreeBBQ