Ingredients:
• 200g udon noodles (fresh or pre-cooked)
• 200g duck breast (skin on)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium, if preferred)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small piece of ginger (about 1 cm), finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 green onion, chopped (optional garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Duck:
• Pat the duck breast dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern (without cutting into the meat) to allow for even cooking and crispy skin. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
• In a cold pan, place the duck breast skin-side down. Set the heat to medium; the duck fat will slowly render out, helping to crisp up the skin. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the duck breast and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes (for medium-rare) or longer if you prefer it well done.
• Remove the duck from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
2. Cook the Udon Noodles:
• If using fresh udon noodles, quickly blanch them in boiling water for about 1–2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• If using pre-cooked udon, you may only need to rinse them in hot water to separate the noodles, as they’re often already soft.
3. Prepare the Stir-Fry Base:
• In a wok or large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
• Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften but still retain a slight crunch.
4. Add the Sauce:
• Add the oyster sauce and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
• Toss in the cooked udon noodles, mixing thoroughly so that the sauce coats everything evenly.
5. Combine and Serve:
• Place the sliced duck on top of the noodles and vegetables.
• If you like, garnish with green onions for a bit of extra flavor and color (but skip the cilantro!).
6. Enjoy!
• Serve warm and enjoy the blend of tender udon noodles, flavorful sauce, and crispy duck. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 800 mg (may vary based on soy sauce)
This recipe is high in protein from the duck and contains moderate carbs from the udon, providing a balanced meal with essential nutrients. If you’d like to reduce the fat content, you can carefully trim any excess fat from the duck breast before cooking, but keep some for flavor and crispiness. Enjoy this comforting dish!