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Irresistible Cranberry Gastrique Recipe for Perfect Duck Pairing

cranberry gastrique - featured image

A tangy and sweet cranberry gastrique that pairs perfectly with rich, succulent duck, elevating your dish to restaurant-worthy status.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: A sprig of thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Rinse your fresh cranberries and set them aside. If using frozen cranberries, let them thaw slightly.
  2. In your medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and red wine vinegar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cranberries to the saucepan. Stir occasionally to coat the berries in the sugar mixture.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the cranberries soften. This should take about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the berries start to burst and release their juices.
  5. Stir in the honey and water, allowing the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Place a fine mesh strainer over a small bowl and pour the sauce through to remove the pulp and seeds. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
  7. Taste your gastrique and add a pinch of salt if needed. If it’s too tart, add a little extra honey.
  8. Heat the strained sauce gently for a minute or two before serving. Drizzle generously over your perfectly cooked duck for a show-stopping dish!

Notes

[‘Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture, but frozen ones work well if thawed slightly.’, ‘Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop depth of flavor.’, ‘Taste your sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.’, ‘Avoid over-reducing the sauce to prevent it from becoming sticky.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry gastrique, duck sauce, tangy sauce, sweet and savory sauce, holiday sauce, gourmet sauce