Beginners Question on Duck

[toomn8r]

Just got your book "Smoking Meat" as a present and the first recipe I am trying is "Smoked Duck" on page 68.

Please resolve what has turned into a big argument. SHOULD or should not the duck be refrigerated as it sits overnight in the buttermilk??

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[bear55]

In the fridge...

 

[BandCollector]

 
Just got your book "Smoking Meat" as a present and the first recipe I am trying is "Smoked Duck" on page 68.

Please resolve what has turned into a big argument. SHOULD or should not the duck be refrigerated as it sits overnight in the buttermilk??

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Absolutely Refrigerated...Anytime foul is being marinated it should always be done under refrigeration.  Either in the refrigerator or in a cold place such as a cold garage if it is winter where you live.

Good luck and have fun with your new hobby!  John

 

[kc5tpy]

Well I'lll throw a wrench in the works.  Is it a wild or farm raised duck?  I don't have the book.  If wild I can see the soaking to get rid of some of the "game" taste if you don't like that.  If farm raised I don't see the point.  I would salt, pepper, pierce the skin all over and refrigerate overnight  uncovered and smoke.  Yep, refigerate if using the buttermilk recipe.  WOW!  Why am I the only one who keeps preaching old school simple?  Am I just an old dinosaur who should just lay down and die?  Surely there are more folks out there who do simple spice and smoke?  I can't be a dying breed, a relic??  Just my opinion.  

  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[BandCollector]

 
Well I'lll throw a wrench in the works.  Is it a wild or farm raised duck?  I don't have the book.  If wild I can see the soaking to get rid of some of the "game" taste if you don't like that.  If farm raised I don't see the point.  I would salt, pepper, pierce the skin all over and refrigerate overnight  uncovered and smoke.  Yep, refigerate if using the buttermilk recipe.  WOW!  Why am I the only one who keeps preaching old school simple? 

Danny

Danny,

You are correct regarding refrigerating a duck that is being marinated.  It does not matter if the duck is wild or farm raised.  If you choose to marinate any fowl it should be done under refrigeration.

In regard to the "game taste" you referred to.  In my opinion there is no such thing as a "gamey" taste regarding wild fowl.  It is merely an unfamiliar taste.    If you had never eaten a chicken before its unfamiliar taste  would be "gamey" to you as well.  Just a matter of getting used to a flavor/taste that's all.

Best of luck with your smoking,  John