Smoked Duck Breast with Szechuan Pepper Crust

Juicy duck breast is rubbed with an aromatic Szechuan pepper crust and hot smoked. The duck fat slowly renders during smoking, keeping the meat exceptionally moist. Cherry wood provides a fruity-sweet smoke note that pairs perfectly with the gamey poultry.
Ingredients(for 1 kg)
Instructions
Preparation
15 min + 4 hours restingScore the fat side of the duck breast in a diamond pattern. Mix all spices and rub evenly over all sides of the breast. Cover and rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheating the smoker
30 minutesPreheat smoker to 110-120 °C. Prepare cherry and apple wood chips in equal ratio. Remove duck breast from refrigerator and bring to room temperature for 20 minutes.
Smoking
2.5-3 hoursPlace duck breast fat-side up on the grate. Replenish wood chips every 45 minutes. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 72-74 °C. Monitor temperature regularly.
Resting and serving
10 minutesWrap the finished smoked duck breast in aluminum foil and rest for 10 minutes. Then slice thinly against the grain and serve.
Pro Tip
When scoring, cut only through the fat and not into the meat – this keeps the juices in and ensures the skin becomes crispy during smoking.
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