Recipe: Sorghum Roast Duck with Pecan Relish
A lifelong outdoorsman, chef Matthew McClure grew up hunting and fishing in the Arkansas River Valley. At his Bentonville, Ark., restaurant, The Hive, he showcases the culinary identity of the High South through refined country cuisine. This recipe for Sorghum Roast Duck with Pecan Relish highlights local flavors with a sweet sorghum glaze and nutty relish that pairs perfectly with game birds. McClure, a James Beard semi-finalist, uses a dry brine to keep the duck moist and flavorful during roasting. While it takes a few days of preparation, the result is worth the wait.
Ingredients for Sorghum Roast Duck
- 1 whole duck, dressed and plucked
- ½ box kosher salt
- 1½ gallons water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 pint sorghum syrup
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 whole dried guajillo peppers
Directions for Roast Duck
- Salt the duck generously and hang it overnight in a refrigerator. Rinse with water and re-hang for 48 hours in a spot with good airflow.
- In a pot, mix sorghum syrup, honey, bay leaves, guajillo peppers, peppercorns, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Poach the duck breast side-down for about 7 minutes, then place it on a roasting rack. Roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until the leg pulls away easily from the body.
Pecan Relish
Ingredients
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup minced shallots
- Juice of one lemon
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Mix the shallots with lemon juice and let sit for one hour.
- Combine the pecans, parsley, and olive oil. Fold in the shallots and season with salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Sorghum Roast Duck with Pecan Relish is best served carved with the pecan relish spooned over the crispy duck skin. The sweet and nutty balance complements wild game beautifully, making it an excellent dish to enjoy after a long day of hunting.
For hunters who enjoy preparing their own harvest, this recipe is a reminder of how game cooking can be elevated with simple yet flavorful Southern traditions. You can also check out our tips on cooking game and fish over a flame or read our classic dove hunting tips to make your trip even more rewarding.
Inspired by chef Matthew McClure’s Southern cuisine.
