How to Freeze Duck Breasts

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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic freezer bags (1-gallon capacity)

  • Paraffin wax

  • Bucket

  • Sharp knife

  • Freezer paper

  • Permanent marker

Freeze store-bought or fresh duck breasts to keep them fresh for months.

Duck breasts, sometimes called "magrets," taste somewhat like tender, red meat when roasted. Although many people save duck breasts for special occasions, if you find them in your grocer's meat case or freezer case, they can make a delightful change of pace from standard poultry or beef. You can also freeze duck breasts for extended storage and save them for a festive meal. With proper insulation, your duck breasts will stay flavorful in the freezer until you are ready to prepare them.

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Step 1

Keep duck breasts in the original packaging from the supermarket. Do not open or tear the plastic wrap at all to preserve the sealed package.

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Step 2

Place the original package into the freezer bag and squeeze out as much air from the bag before closing it. The freezer bag will provide additional insulation around the original packaging of the duck breasts.

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Step 3

Write the date and contents on the outside of the plastic bag with the permanent marker.

Step 4

Place the duck breasts into the freezer. Store duck breasts in the freezer for up to one month.

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Step 5

Remove the duck breasts from the freezer to thaw them. Take the duck breasts out of the freezer bag and the original package. Place them onto a plate and cover them with a sheet of plastic wrap. Place the frozen meat into the refrigerator, making sure they do not touch any other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Allow the duck breasts to thaw in the refrigerator for about eight hours and then prepare them.

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Step 1

Clean out the body cavity of the duck, removing entrails. Wipe the cavity with a clean cloth and dry it lightly.

Step 2

Age the duck by hanging it at a temperature of 45 F without plucking for three days.

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Step 3

Pluck the feathers by hand after aging the duck. Remove small feathers by melting paraffin wax in a bucket, submerging the duck beneath the wax and then allowing the wax to harden on the duck. Scrape off the hard wax to remove the feathers.

Step 4

Cut up the duck before freezing. Use a sharp knife to cut the breasts in half down the center breastbone and cut them off the carcass.

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Step 5

Wrap the duck breasts in freezer paper and then place the wrapped breasts into a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag.

Step 6

Write the date and contents on the bag and store the duck breasts in the freezer for up to six months.

Tip

Freeze duck breasts the same day you buy them from the supermarket to ensure that you freeze the freshest duck breasts possible.

Warning

Never re-freeze duck breasts after thawing them.

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