Slow Cooker Sweet Duck Legs

Name: Slow Cooker Sweet Duck Legs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 6 duck legs; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 pears (sliced or cut into large chunks); 1 cup apricots; 1 cup prunes

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This Slow Cooker Sweet Duck Legs recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or a weekend dinner gathering. Duck meat, cooked in a slow cooker, is so tender it falls off the bone. The sweetness from the prunes, apricots, and pears is such a nice addition to the meat.

Slow Cooker Sweet Duck Legs on a white plate with dried fruits.

There is no need to marinate or sear the meat. Simply combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook while you are at work. Come home, make a quick and easy salad, such as this Spring Vegetable and Berry Salad or this Asparagus and Mango Salad and some Easy 3-ingredient Baked Potato Wedges and it's ready to serve. Enjoy your dinner. Savor it!

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Ingredients
Substitutions and variations
Preparation
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving suggestions
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Recipe
Comments

Ingredients

Duck Legs: duck meat has a rich, savory flavor and, when cooked in a slow cooker, the meat becomes tender and succulent. It's richer and more robust than chicken. It has a slightly gamey taste with a hint of sweetness. Typically they are sold as whole legs, including both the thigh and drumstick.
Pears: they add delicate texture. I usually slice them, but you can also add big chunks inside the slow cooker. They taste amazing on their own after they are infused with the savory duck and the dried apricots and prunes.
Dried Fruits: prunes and dried apricots will also add natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the duck and soy sauce.
Seasoning: soy sauce, paprika, dried parsley flakes, and salt

see the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient list and quantities

Substitutions and variations

Pears: you can use other fruits like apples, peaches, or fresh figs, instead of, or in addition to the pears.
Soy Sauce: instead of soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or hoisin sauce for a sweeter and more intense flavor. Use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine or sherry.
Add other seasonings: you can also add other spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, or allspice for a more aromatic and complex flavor.
Asian-Inspired Variation: use ingredients like ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder instead of paprika and parsley for an Asian-inspired twist on the recipe.

Preparation

STEP 1: Prepare the seasoning

seasoning rub for the duck legs in a small bowl stirred with a small fork with sliced pears on the side.

In a small mixing bowl stir together the soy sauce, paprika, dried parsley, and salt.

STEP 2: Season the duck legs

Seasoned duck legs inside a slow cooker with dried fruits on the side.

Pat the duck legs dry with a paper towel and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the mixture over the meat, and rub the duck legs with the seasoning until fully seasoned.

STEP 3: Add the fruit

Duck legs inside a slow cooker seasoned and topped with dried fruits and pears.

Top with the apricots, prunes, and sliced pears.

STEP 4: Slow Cook

cooked duck leg in a white plate over wild rice.

Cover with lid and set the slow cooker on low for 6 hours. The juice that's left in the slow cooker can work as a gravy over a side dish.

Top Tips

Choose fresh, high-quality duck legs for the best flavor and texture. Look for legs that are plump and have a good amount of meat on them.
Don't forget to pat the meat dry.
Make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker to allow proper circulation of heat and ensure even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you overcook duck legs?

It is almost impossible to overcook duck legs in the slow cooker. The low temperature and long cooking time allow the connective tissues to break down slowly, resulting in tender and succulent meat that falls off the bone with minimal effort.

Can duck legs be cooked from frozen?

It's generally best to thaw them before cooking for the best results. But, if you're short on time or forgot to thaw the duck legs in advance, you can still cook them from frozen. The cooking time should be longer when cooking from frozen. The general rule is to increase the cooking time by approximately 50% to ensure that the meat cooks through properly. You may also want to adjust the seasoning a bit. Since frozen duck legs won't absorb as much flavor, you will need to increase the amount of seasoning. Also, make sure to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the duck legs reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

How do you defrost duck legs quickly?

Place the sealed duck legs in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water.
Depending on the size of the duck legs, they should thaw within 1-3 hours. If you have some time, you can thaw the duck legs in the refrigerator by placing them on a plate or tray to catch any drips as they thaw. Depending on the size of the duck legs, they may take 24-36 hours to thaw completely in the refrigerator.

How do I store and reheat leftover duck legs?

First, allow the leftover duck legs to cool down to room temperature. Then place them, and any remaining sauce and fruit, in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the oven, in an oven-safe dish, at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 20 minutes. Make sure to cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stove by placing the duck legs, fruit, and sauce in a skillet or saucepan and heating them over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until the duck legs are warmed through, about 5-10 minutes. Reheating in the microwave is also an option. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the duck legs are heated through.

Serving suggestions

I love duck meat with wild rice. But, it goes well with white rice and so many other side dishes. Try it with mashed potatoes (pour some of the sweet duck gravy over them), these Healthy Turmeric Oven Roasted Vegetables, or this Sautéed Cabbage with Mushrooms and Bacon. Or, try this fresh Cabbage and Ham Salad and some Oven Roasted Potato Cubes on the side.

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