Duck Tacos

Ready to elevate your Taco Tuesday Night? Craving an extraordinary taco? These duck tacos feature crispy, flavorful duck paired with tangy pickled onions and a refreshing cilantro-lime crema. A food-truck-style flavor in your kitchen. Swap your beef for duck with the recipe below.

Ingredients

For the Duck:

• 2 duck breasts (or 2 duck leg quarters, skin-on)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
  

For the Pickled Onions:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
  

For the Cilantro-Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste
  

To Assemble:

• Small corn tortillas, warmed
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Extra lime wedges

Instructions

1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour over the sliced onions in a jar or bowl. Let the onions marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate until ready.
   
2. Mix the sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Chill until serving.
   
3. If using duck breasts, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Place skin-side down in a cold cast-iron skillet. Turn the heat to medium and slowly render the fat for 6–8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for 3–4 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. If using duck leg quarters, Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Roast at 300°F for about 2 hours, or cook sous vide at 170°F for 8–10 hours. Once tender, crisp the skin in a hot skillet or under a broiler before shredding the meat.
5. Layer duck slices or shredded meat onto warm tortillas. Top with pickled onions, a drizzle of crema, and extra cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Duck tacos are a delicious way to enjoy tacos uniquely, blending richness with bright, fresh toppings. Whether you choose breast or leg quarters, you’ve already stepped up your Taco Tuesday Night’s game.