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A Smoked Jamaican Jerk Duck

A delicious twist on Caribbean duck with bold Jamaican jerk flavors, gently smoked over cherry wood for a memorable summertime dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Caribbean Classics, Comfort Food, Festive & Holiday Recipes, Grilling, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Sunday Dinners, Winter Recipes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole duck 7 lb
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon pepper flakes optional
  • 2 bay leaves crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated recommended
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 4 scallions
  • 5 slices fresh ginger
  • 12 sprigs thyme
  • 2 clementines halved
  • 1 can Nyarai Cellars Origin Wine Spritzer
  • 1 teaspoon dehydrated chives optional
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Method
 

  1. Rinse the duck with cool water and lemon juice, then pat dry with paper towels. Remove any visible pinfeathers using tweezers. Trim excess fat as needed.
  2. With a sharp knife, score only the skin (not the meat) on the breast side of the duck. This allows the fat to render and helps the seasoning penetrate.
  3. In a mortar and pestle, crush the allspice berries, black peppercorns, pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Stir in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If using, mix in the optional dry brine ingredients (dehydrated chives, onion, and garlic powder).
  4. Rub the entire duck thoroughly with the dry seasoning mix. Place on a wire rack over a cookie sheet, uncovered, and refrigerate for 12–16 hours.
  5. In a roasting pan with a wire rack, layer the scallions, thyme, ginger slices, and halved clementines. Pour the wine spritzer into the pan.
  6. Remove the duck from the fridge and place it breast-side up on the rack. Transfer to a preheated smoker at 275°F (135°C).
  7. Smoke for 2 hours, rotating the pan halfway through if your smoker has hot spots.
  8. Increase the smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for an additional 1 1/2 hours.
  9. For an extra layer of smoke flavor (if using a Traeger), reduce heat to 180–190°F (82–88°C) and engage “Super Smoke” for the final hour.
  10. Remove the duck from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm, ideally with the Summer Fruit Compote and a chilled Nyarai Cellars Origin Wine Spritzer.

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