Strawberry Gum Duck Recipe – Native Flavours for Special Occasions
My family loves duck for special occasions, and I couldn’t resist experimenting with one of my favourite native ingredients: strawberry gum. The result? A rich, glossy, just-a-bit-indulgent Strawberry Gum Glazed Duck that had everyone coming back for seconds. And guess what I’ll be making for Birthdays, Christmas, and all other celebrations in our house!
It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make – the kind of recipe that turns a regular dinner into something special.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced flavours: The berry-citrus sweetness of strawberry gum cuts through the richness of duck.
- Simple ingredients: A handful of pantry staples and one native hero spice.
- It’s easy: Quick sear + oven roast = restaurant-worthy results at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 duck breasts, skin on
¼ cup orange juice
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp ground strawberry gum
1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Pinch of salt (Preferably Tasmanian Sea Salt, of course)
Why Strawberry Gum
Strawberry gum brings a bright, fruity and slightly floral flavour that makes duck shine. It’s bold enough to stand up to the richness yet adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
👉 You can find our hand-harvested Strawberry Gum here!
A Few Serving Suggestions
- Roast root vegetables with lemon myrtle finishing salt.
- Crisp potatoes sprinkled with saltbush flakes.
- A peppery rocket salad to balance the richness.
Notes
- Duck is best served medium rare; resting keeps it tender.
- Make extra glaze – it doubles as a sauce for roasted veg.
Substitutions
- Swap maple syrup for honey.
- Try chicken breast or quail if you don’t have duck.
- I haven’t tried it, but I bet it would be delicious on tofu
- Replace orange juice with blood orange for deeper citrus notes.
Strawberry Gum Glazed Duck
Ingredients
- 2 duck breasts skin on
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp strawberry gum leaves dried and ground
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Score duck skin, season lightly. Place skin-side down in a cold pan.
- Cook over medium heat until golden and crisp.
- Mix glaze: orange juice, maple, soy, and strawberry gum.
- Brush over duck and roast at 180°C for 10–12 mins.
- Rest before slicing. Drizzle with pan glaze to serve.
Notes
- Roast root vegetables with lemon myrtle finishing salt.
- Crisp potatoes sprinkled with saltbush flakes.
- A peppery rocket salad to balance the richness. Notes
- Duck is best served medium rare; resting keeps it tender.
- Make extra glaze — it doubles as a sauce for roasted veg. Substitutions
- Swap maple syrup for honey.
- Try chicken breast or quail if you don’t have duck.
- Replace orange juice with blood orange for deeper citrus notes.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze in advance, but cook the duck just before serving for best results.
What does strawberry gum taste like?
It has a unique berry-meets-eucalyptus flavour with hints of citrus.
Can I make this without duck?
Yes, it works beautifully with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
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