Main Course · Dinner · European ·

Decadent Belgian Cherry Beer Glazed Duck with Juniper Berries

Name: Decadent Belgian Cherry Beer Glazed Duck with Juniper Berries
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Duck breasts, 4, skin scored; Juniper berries, 2 tbsp, crushed; Black pepper, 1 tbsp, freshly ground; Sea salt, 1 tbsp; Fresh thyme, 2 sprigs; Garlic, 2 cloves, minced; Belgian cherry beer, 1 cup; Cherry preserves, 1/2 cup; Balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp; Honey, 1 tbsp; Fresh lemon zest, 1 tsp; Fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

A rich and flavorful dish, this duck is marinated and then glazed with a cherry beer reduction, enhanced by the pungent aroma of juniper berries.

4.2(765 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 30, 2025

Decadent Belgian Cherry Beer Glazed Duck with Juniper Berries — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Duck Marinade

For the Cherry Beer Glaze

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 562 kcal
Protein: 30.75 g
Carbs: 33 g
Fat: 30.25 g
Fiber: 1.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2246 kcal
Protein: 123 g
Carbs: 132 g
Fat: 121 g
Fiber: 7 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Duck breasts 4, skin scored	1600	120	0	120	0
Juniper berries 2 tbsp, crushed	45	1	12	1	4
Black pepper 1 tbsp, freshly ground	18	0	4	0	2
Sea salt 1 tbsp	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh thyme 2 sprigs	2	0	0	0	0
Garlic 2 cloves, minced	9	0	2	0	0
Belgian cherry beer 1 cup	200	2	20	0	0
Cherry preserves 1/2 cup	275	0	70	0	1
Balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp	28	0	7	0	0
Honey 1 tbsp	64	0	17	0	0
Fresh lemon zest 1 tsp	1	0	0	0	0
Fresh parsley chopped	2	0	0	0	0
Lemon wedges	2	0	0	0	0

These are estimated nutritional values and not a substitute for dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Duck

1
Mix Marinade Ingredients
Combine crushed juniper berries, black pepper, sea salt, thyme, and minced garlic in a bowl.
2
Rub Duck Breasts
Rub the mixture over the scored skin of the duck breasts, ensuring an even coating.
3
Refrigerate Duck
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.

Preparing the Cherry Beer Glaze

1
Combine Glaze Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine cherry beer, cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon zest.
2
Simmer Glaze
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3
Reduce to Glaze Consistency
Reduce until it forms a thick, glossy glaze, about 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Do not overcook the glaze; it should be thick but pourable. Pro Tip: Enhance with a splash of brandy for a deeper flavor.

How to Make Decadent Belgian Cherry Beer Glazed Duck with Juniper Berries

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Sear Duck Skin
Score the duck skin and place skin-side down in a cold pan, gradually increasing the heat to medium-high and searing for 6-8 minutes.
2
Cook Flesh Side
Turn the duck breasts over and cook the flesh side for 3-4 minutes.
3
Apply Glaze and Roast
Brush the cherry beer glaze generously on the skin side and finish cooking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.