How to Defrost a Duck

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Dry the skin after thawing so it browns evenly during cooking.
Image Credit: bozhdb/iStock/Getty Images

Since fresh duck is not readily available everywhere, some duck lovers must rely on frozen birds. Poultry must be cooked thoroughly -- a tough task when your duck meat is frozen. The first step in frozen duck preparation is defrosting. You need to have time for thawing and allow the duck ample time to come to room temperature.

Advertisement

Refrigerator Thawing

Step 1

Place the frozen duck in a shallow dish lined with several layers of paper towels. Place the duck in the refrigerator.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Check the water level in the dish every five or six hours. Drain the dish and change the paper towels when you see water pooling.

Advertisement

Step 3

Thaw the duck in the refrigerator until defrosted in the center, about 1 to 2 days. Unwrap the duck after defrosting and pat with dry outside and inside the cavity before cooking.

Cold-Water Thawing

Step 1

Fill a sink nearly full with cold water. Place frozen duck in the water; keep the duck in its packaging.

Advertisement

Step 2

Set a timer for 30 minutes, allowing the duck to rest in the water for the full time. Remove the still-frozen bird.

Step 3

Drain and refill the sink with cold water and replace the duck. Set your timer again for 30 minutes. Do this until the duck is fully defrosted, about 4 to 6 hours.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...