South Dakota BBQ Duck Breast on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

If you're looking for a bold and delicious way to prepare wild game, this South Dakota BBQ Duck Breast recipe hits the sweet spot. We're taking full advantage of the incredible high-heat searing and versatile flat top cooking capabilities of the Arteflame grill. From locking in juices with a steakhouse-quality sear at over 1,000°F to finishing the duck to perfect doneness on the griddle, this reverse sear BBQ duck breast recipe will impress with both flavor and presentation. Great for a backyard feast or a wild game cookout, you’ll have everything grilled—all at once, all on the Arteflame.

Ingredients

• 4 wild duck breasts (skin on preferred)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup tangy BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill bowl.
2. Drizzle vegetable oil over the napkins to saturate them.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F. The flat cooktop surrounding it will heat evenly with hotter zones near the center.

Step 2: Prep the Duck Breasts

1. Pat duck breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Sear Over the Center Grill Grate

1. Place the breasts skin side down on the center grill grate where it’s over 1,000°F.
2. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side to lock in juices and create a crispy crust.
3. Use tongs to flip carefully and avoid piercing the meat.

Step 4: Move to the Flat Griddle for Reverse Searing

1. Transfer the seared breasts to the flat cooktop closer to the outside edge, where it's a medium heat zone.
2. Add 1 tbsp of butter under each duck breast for rich flavor and crispier skin.
3. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F (for medium-rare), then remove from grill. The temperature will rise about 15°F while resting.

Step 5: Make the BBQ Glaze

1. On a hot area of the flat griddle, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix with a spatula and simmer until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze and Rest

1. Brush the duck breasts generously with BBQ glaze.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to track internal temperature precisely.
• Butter enhances flavor—don't substitute with olive oil.
• Always let the duck rest after grilling for better moisture retention.
• Use heat zones on the Arteflame cooktop to cook all your sides simultaneously.
• Adjust positioning on the grill to avoid overcooking or burning.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Duck: Add chipotle chili powder and cayenne to the rub, and use spicy chipotle BBQ sauce.
2. Honey Glazed Duck: Replace brown sugar with honey in the glaze for a sweet twist.
3. Asian Fusion Duck: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar instead of regular BBQ sauce.
4. Herb-Infused Duck: Add chopped rosemary and thyme to the butter for an aromatic herb finish.
5. Bourbon BBQ Duck: Add a splash of bourbon to the BBQ glaze for a deep, smoky flavor.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus and sweet corn on the Arteflame griddle
• Charred peach and arugula salad
• Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary
• Full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a dark rye whiskey cocktail
• Grilled sourdough garlic bread

Conclusion

With the power and precision of the Arteflame grill, making gourmet South Dakota-style BBQ Duck Breast has never been easier or more fun. Reverse searing with a 1,000°F center grate locks in the juices, while the wide flat cooktop gives you full control. Whether it's a weekend cookout or showcasing wild game for guests, this duck dish will steal the show—no oven needed, and no extra cleanup required!