Duck Meatballs in Orange Sauce

These sweet and spicy meatballs use ground duck for a flavor twist and are perfect as an appetizer or tapas. Adapted from a recipe by Executive Chef Eric Braun, Ft. Wayne, IN

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • 2 Shallots, finely diced, divided
  • 4 Tbsp. Crushed Garlic, divided
  • 1 cup Garlic Breadcrumbs
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. Teriyaki Sauce
  • Dash Hot Sauce
  • 1 cup Orange Marmalade
  • 3 oz. Orange Liqueur
  • 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
  • Non-Stick Vegetable Spray
  • 1 head Leaf Lettuce, separated
  • Rice Wine Vinegar, as needed
  • 1 Navel Orange, sliced

Direction

Meatballs:

  • Heat pan to medium heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1 finely diced shallot and 2 tablespoons crushed garlic. Cook until shallots are soft; set aside.
  • Place duck meat and shallot mixture in a large bowl. Add garlic breadcrumbs, eggs, teriyaki sauce and hot sauce; mix well.
  • Place mixture in freezer for 15 minutes to cool.

Orange Sauce:

  • Heat pan to medium heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 finely diced shallot and 2 tablespoons crushed garlic. Cook until shallots are soft.
  • Add orange marmalade and orange liqueur. Cook for 10-12 minutes more or until reduced by half; set aside.
  • Add red pepper flakes.

Meatball Assembly:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Spray muffin pan with vegetable spray.
  • Form meatballs by using 1-1/2 ounce ice cream scoop. Place rounded balls in muffin tins.
  • Ladle 1 teaspoon of orange sauce over each ball.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until 160 degrees F internal temperature; remove from oven.

Plating:

  • Place leaf lettuce on small plates.
  • Sprinkle lettuce with rice wine vinegar.
  • Add 3 meatballs and drizzle remaining marmalade sauce on each plate.
  • Garnish with orange slice and serve immediately.