A brown duck stock is prepared by first browning the ingredients in the oven. This is the base for sauces, jus, and stew.
Heat the oven to 450°F. In a roasting pan, brown the duck bones for 30 minutes. Turn frequently to cook evenly. Peel and the carrot, onion, and celery. Cut the onion in quarters and place in a bowl. Cut the carrot into 1-inch pieces and add it to the onion. Cut the celery the same as the carrot. Add the celery and mix.
The liquid must cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and for a minimum of 4 hours. Stir from time to time to ensure nothing is sticking or burning to the bottom. You must keep the bones covered by adding more water during this long cooking process. Strain the stock through a fine strainer.
This recipe connects to Stock Making Fundamentals — learn the technique step by step in the video lessons.
Render duck fat slowly over low heat before searing — that patience is what gives you crisp skin without burning it. If you'd like to go deeper, Stock Making Fundamentals covers this in full.
If you'd ever like hands-on guidance for your own kitchen or restaurant, I also offer 1-on-1 coaching through OCS, or you can reach me directly for consulting at 911ChefEric.com.
Recipes come out right when you understand the method. Chef Eric’s courses teach the foundations step by step — knife skills, stocks, soups and classic French technique — with video lessons and short quizzes. Not sure where to start? OCRS™ will build your roadmap in five questions.