Short Description

Crispy seared duck breast served over fragrant jasmine rice with a velvety Thai red curry packed with baby corn, snow peas, and coconut milk. Finished with fresh herbs and lime for a bold, aromatic meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Red Curry Duck with Jasmine Rice is a stunning fusion of textures and flavors—crispy duck skin, tender meat, creamy coconut curry, and bright herbs. It balances richness with freshness, making it feel both indulgent and invigorating. The dish is ideal for a special dinner yet simple enough to prepare at home. With its blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, it captures the essence of Thai cuisine in an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 duck breasts, skin scored
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon red curry paste
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup snow peas
1/2 cup baby corn
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Fresh basil, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish

directions

Pat the duck breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
Place duck breasts skin-side down in a cold pan. Turn heat to medium and sear for 6–8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3–5 more minutes. Rest before slicing.
In a separate pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat and sauté red curry paste for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring until smooth.
Mix in brown sugar and soy sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Add snow peas and baby corn, simmer for another 3–4 minutes until tender.
Plate jasmine rice in a bowl, ladle curry and vegetables on one side, and fan sliced duck on top.
Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 545 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute duck with pan-seared tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
Extra Heat: Add sliced Thai chili or more red curry paste for a spicier curry.
Different Greens: Swap snow peas for green beans or bok choy for variation.
Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime juice to the curry just before serving for extra brightness.
Noodle Base: Serve over rice noodles instead of jasmine rice for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the curry and rice gently in a saucepan or microwave, and reheat duck slices in a hot skillet to revive the crispness. Avoid microwaving duck skin if you want to retain its texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of duck?

Yes, chicken breast or thighs work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when the duck is cooked properly?

Duck breast should be cooked medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Is Thai red curry very spicy?

It can be moderately spicy. You can adjust by using less curry paste or adding more coconut milk to mellow the heat.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk.

What type of red curry paste should I use?

Look for Thai brands like Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen for authentic flavor. Always check the label for spice level.

Can I make the curry ahead of time?

Yes, the curry can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.

What other vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

How do I cook jasmine rice perfectly?

Rinse until the water runs clear, then cook with a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio on low heat, covered, for 15 minutes.

Can I freeze this dish?

The curry can be frozen, but duck is best served fresh for optimal texture.

What wines pair well with this dish?

A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the curry’s spice and sweetness beautifully.

Conclusion

Thai Red Curry Duck with Jasmine Rice brings a gourmet flair to your home dining with its balance of crispy duck, rich coconut curry, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a showstopper perfect for intimate dinners or impressing guests with your culinary skills. The vibrant flavors and colorful presentation make it a memorable, satisfying meal.