Easy Side Dishes for Roast Duck: 30+ Perfect Pairing Ideas
Looking for delicious side dishes for roast duck? I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or just want to make your duck extra special, these sides will make your meal amazing.
From crispy potatoes to fresh salads, I’ll show you what goes perfectly with roast duck.
After trying these sides at countless dinner parties and family meals, I can tell you which ones work best.
Let’s explore these delicious pairings that’ll make your duck dinner unforgettable!
What is Roast Duck?
Roast duck is a mouthwatering dish with crispy skin and juicy meat inside. I love how the fat melts away during cooking, leaving you with rich, flavorful meat that’s perfect for special dinners.
- Characteristics of Roast Duck: The crispy skin is golden-brown and crunchy. The meat stays juicy and tender. Duck fat adds an amazingly rich flavor you can’t get from chicken.
- Cooking Techniques: You can roast it whole or just the breast. I like to score the skin first. Slow roasting helps melt the fat and makes it super crispy.
- Popular Variations: Chinese Peking duck has thin, extra-crispy skin. French style comes with orange sauce. Some people love it smoked. Each style brings different flavors to try.
Roast duck makes any meal special. Now, let’s look at the best sides that’ll make your duck dinner even better. You’ll love these combinations!
What to Serve with Roast Duck?
I’ll show you my favorite veggie dishes, tasty starches, fresh salads, and yummy sauces that make duck even better.
Vegetable-Based Sides for Roast Duck
Fresh vegetables add color, nutrition, and delightful contrasts to your roast duck dinner. These veggie sides balance the rich duck meat perfectly, making your meal complete and satisfying.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: This is a quick, easy, and tasty 2- ingredient side dish. The savory crispy bacon is a great twist on any main dish and works well with roast duck. For more veggie inspiration, check out our vegetable sides for fried fish.
- Roasted Asparagus: You’ll be amazed at how simple yet elegant this side dish is. The crispy tips and tender stalks provide a fresh contrast to the savory duck. I drizzle mine with lemon juice and parmesan for extra zing.
- Braised Red Cabbage: This sweet and tangy side brings a beautiful purple color to your plate. The cabbage soaks up all the delicious flavors while cooking, making each bite a perfect match for the duck meat.
- Blistered Tomatoes: I love blistered tomatoes – they’re a versatile ingredient! Quick to make, they’re sweet and savory in flavor and go perfectly with roast duck. Try them out and take your next meal to the next level!
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: These bright, crispy beans with crunchy almonds are my go-to side dish. The simple preparation lets the natural flavors shine through while complementing the duck perfectly. Looking for more green bean ideas? See our side dishes for chicken curry.
- Caramelized Carrots: Sweet, tender, and gorgeously glazed, these carrots are a crowd-pleaser. The natural sweetness gets enhanced during caramelization, creating a delicious contrast to the savory duck.
Starchy Sides Go well with Roast Duck
When it comes to starchy sides for roast duck, you want dishes that can soak up those delicious juices. These hearty options turn a simple duck dinner into a memorable feast.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: I’ve found that these creamy spuds are perfect with duck. The buttery, garlicky goodness mingles beautifully with the rich duck fat. My secret? I warm the milk before mixing it in for extra smoothness. For more potato inspiration, check out our potato side dishes for steak.
- Garlic Rice: This is an extremely versatile, and flavorful side dish that goes well with pretty much any main dish from roast duck, to fish to even steak. The dish is buttery, garlicky rice that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
- Twice Baked Potatoes: You’ll love how these fancy spuds look and taste. The crispy shells hold a creamy, cheesy filling that’s perfect for soaking up duck juices. I add chives and bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Sweet Potato Mash: This orange-hued side brings a natural sweetness that complements duck perfectly. I add a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon to enhance the natural flavors.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavor and chewy texture make this pilaf special. I mix in mushrooms and herbs to create depth that matches the duck’s richness. Want more grain options? Check out our summer rice salads.
- Creamy Polenta: This Italian comfort food is pure magic with duck. The smooth, buttery texture creates a perfect base for the meat and its juices. I like adding parmesan for extra umami.
- Butternut Squash Mash: Sweet and velvety, this mash brings fall flavors to your plate. The natural sweetness balances the savory duck perfectly.
- Smashed Potatoes: These crispy-edged potatoes are my family’s favorite. The crunchy exterior gives way to fluffy insides that soak up the duck’s flavors beautifully.
- Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes: These are the ultimate luxury side dish. Using the duck’s own fat creates potatoes with golden, crispy exteriors and fluffy centers. They’re absolutely irresistible.
Easy Salads That Pair Well With Roast Duck
Fresh salads provide the perfect contrast to rich duck meat. These light and vibrant dishes cut through the richness while adding beautiful colors to your table.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: You’ll love how this simple salad brightens up your duck dinner. The juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers bring freshness to every bite. I add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Citrus Fennel Salad: The bright, zesty flavors in this salad are amazing with duck. I love how the crisp fennel and juicy citrus segments create a refreshing bite. The anise notes from the fennel add an elegant touch.
- Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: This Mediterranean-inspired hearty salad brings protein and nutrients to your plate. The nutty quinoa and roast veggies make it filling yet light. Want more grain salad ideas? See our summer rice salads.
- Corn Avocado Salad: As a light side, I like this corn salad. Corn is so sweet and avocado so creamy. Add a citrusy dressing as well as some crunchy veggies for a little something fresh.
- Arugula Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This is your answer to a quick salad! It’s so wonderful how peppery arugula pairs with the rich duck, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes add such a wonderful flavor kick. It’s all tied together with the honey lemon vinaigrette.
- Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad: Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts create exciting textures. The maple vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Looking for holiday salad ideas? Visit our fall salads for a crowd.
- Pomegranate Quinoa Salad: This jewel-toned salad adds sparkle to your table. The pomegranate seeds burst with a sweet-tart flavor that complements the duck perfectly.
- Spinach Strawberry Salad: This is my final salad suggestion to serve with duck, but try this delightful combination! I’ve mixed fresh spinach leaves with juicy strawberries, nuts, and feta cheese, then drizzled it with a light vinaigrette. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Sauces & Condiments to Serve with Roast Duck
The right sauce can transform your roast duck from delicious to extraordinary. These flavorful accompaniments enhance the duck’s natural richness while adding exciting taste dimensions.
- Orange Sauce: The citrusy brightness of this sauce is magical with duck. My version includes a hint of honey and ginger for depth.
- Cranberry Sauce: This classic sauce brings sweet-tart flavors that cut through duck’s richness perfectly. I make mine with fresh cranberries and orange zest for extra zing.
- Plum Chutney: Sweet, spicy, and tangy, this chutney brings complex flavors to your plate. The combination of plums and warming spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Hoisin Sauce: Roast duck gets an Asian twist from hoisin sauce. I like to put it on the duck before serving. Its thick sticky consistency works well with its dish, leaving you with a nice sticky delicious finish. You’ll love this flavor!
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage: You’ll love how this tangy side sauce balances the duck’s richness. The cabbage adds texture while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Mango Salsa: This is my favorite salsa! Fresh, bright, and tropical, this salsa brings summer vibes to your duck dinner.
For more sauce ideas, check out our guide to dipping sauce ideas.
Unique & Creative Sides for Roast Duck
Looking to try something different? These creative side dishes will make your roast duck dinner extra special. Each brings unique flavors that complement the duck beautifully.
- Mushroom Risotto: This creamy, rich risotto soaks up duck juices beautifully. The earthy mushrooms and tender rice create an elegant base for your duck.
- Duck Fat Yorkshire Puddings: These puffy, golden treats are my secret weapon for impressing guests. Using duck fat makes them extra crispy and flavorful.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy plantains bring a tropical flair to your duck dinner. The caramelized edges add delightful contrast to the savory meat.
- Ratatouille: This French classic brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. The colorful vegetable medley looks stunning and tastes amazing with duck.
- Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin: Imagine tender root vegetables wrapped in creamy cheese sauce. It’s pure comfort food that elevates any duck dinner. Looking for more ideas with the main courses? Visit our healthy sides for brisket.
Conclusion
Finding perfect side dishes for roast duck doesn’t have to be challenging.
From classic pairings like crispy potatoes to creative options like mushroom risotto, these sides elevate any duck dinner.
The key is balancing rich and light flavors – pair creamy starches with fresh vegetables or bright salads.
Whether serving a holiday feast or casual dinner, these side dishes complement roast duck beautifully.
Mix and match these options to create your ideal plate, keeping in mind that contrast in textures and flavors makes the meal memorable.
