How to Cook Thai-Style Duck Stew with Cinnamon and Star Anise
Thai-style duck stew is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and fragrant spices, particularly cinnamon and star anise. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious and authentic Thai duck stew that is perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make this delicious Thai-style duck stew, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 kg duck legs, skin on
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken or duck stock
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare the Thai-style duck stew:
1. Prepare the Duck
Start by patting the duck legs dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt and pepper. This helps to achieve a crispy skin when browned.
2. Sear the Duck
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the duck legs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the duck from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spices
Add the star anise and cinnamon sticks to the pot, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aromatic flavors.
5. Add Liquids
Pour in the coconut milk and duck stock, stirring to combine. Add the fish sauce and brown sugar, making sure the sugar is dissolved.
6. Return Duck to Pot
Place the seared duck legs back into the pot, covering them with the liquid. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the duck tender.
8. Final Touches
Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Thai-style duck stew over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy vegetables or a light salad.
Conclusion
Cooking Thai-style duck stew with cinnamon and star anise can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The combination of spices, tenderness of the duck, and richness of coconut milk creates a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy your culinary journey into Thai cuisine!