How to Carve a Whole Duck

For those who have not had the opportunity, there is no bird that tastes quite like a duck. Carving a whole duck is not as intimidating as you would think. A whole duck carved can yield breasts that are great for sautéing or roasting; the legs can be braised for stews; and the wings make for a delicious stock. Nothing should ever be wasted when carving a whole duck. Here are the simple steps to carving up a delicious whole duck.

1. Carving a Whole Duck Begins with the Wings
With your whole duck in hand, place it with the breast facing down on a solid cutting board. Take a small knife, cut underneath one of the wings, and pull it away from the duck body. The wing will come off if you cut under and around the joint. When you have one wing, repeat the procedure on the other wing.

2. The Next Step in Carving a Whole Duck is the Legs
Grasp your duck and turn it breast side up. Taking your knife, make a cut between the body and one of the legs. Pull the leg away from the body and expose the joint underneath. As with the wings, cut under and around the joint to free the leg from the body. Repeat the procedure for the other leg of the duck.

3. The Breast is Next in Carving a Whole Duck
While the breast is still facing up, use your fingers and feel for the breastbone that runs up and down the length of the duck. It starts at the neck and ends at the tail. Take your knife and using the breastbone as a guide, cut down the length of the bone. You should be going about 1" deep as you expose the rib cage of the whole duck. Next, peel away the breast from the carcass of the whole duck by sliding your knife along the ribcage. You want to leave as little red breast meat on the ribcage as possible.

4. Continuing the Breast in Carving a Whole Duck
As you continue to peel the breast from the ribcage and the rest of the carcass, slide the knife towards the tail and then begin working your way back up towards the neck. Cut around the wishbone and free the breast meat from the carcass. Repeat the same procedure with the other breast.