Why can you eat duck medium rare and not chicken?

In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Why can you eat duck medium rare and not chicken?” and methods to cook medium-rare duck.

Why can you eat duck medium rare and not chicken?

You can eat duck medium rare but not chicken because duck is red meat. It is also important to note that chicken is more likely to suffer from infections than ducks. This makes medium rare ducks safer to consume than rare chicken.

If the chickens are not cooked well, there is also an increased risk of developing Salmonella. Chickens are also more likely to be kept in unhygienic surroundings and raised compared to ducks.

Ducks are also not farmed usually because of which the possibility of obtaining Salmonella from ducks is very low.

Duck that is cooked medium or medium-rare is still opted to be consumed by many individuals.

According to USDA, the duck should be cooked at a temperature ranging from 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If the duck is cooked at a temperature of 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit it would be considered medium-rare and safe to eat. This temperature is not guaranteed to make the duck safer to consume but it can definitely make the duck more tender and a tad bit juicier too.

Is it safe to consume medium-rare ducks?

Medium rare ducks are no longer considered to be safe to be consumed as they can contain Campylobacter bacteria. This can induce diarrhea if consumed by humans.

The British Foods Standards Agency warns against consuming medium-rare ducks. Pink or raw poultry should not be consumed according to them. Cooking the ducks appropriately at a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit can eliminate any risk. 

What happens if a medium-rare duck is consumed?

If a medium-rare duck is consumed, there is an increasing risk of developing Campylobacteriosis.

The symptoms of Campylobacteriosis are as follows:

  • Diarrhea (blood is observed in stools)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea

The complications of campylobacteriosis can include Irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and temporary paralysis.

Individuals with a weakened immune system might also die. As a result, it is necessary to be careful and cook the duck thoroughly.

How can you roast duck?

Cooking ducks well can help in reducing the risk of developing infections. Below are a few steps provided to roast the ducks.

  • Preheat the oven to 374 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Dry the meat well using a paper towel and add seasonings to the duck along with pepper and salt. Open the vent of the duck so that it can cook properly.
  • Place a baking sheet over a tray. Place the ducks over the baking sheet. 
  • Cook the ducks for 40 minutes per kilogram. Allow it to cool for a few minutes and serve by using a sharp knife to cut through the parts of the duck.

How to cook ducks medium-rare?

Even though consuming medium-rare ducks can be a bit risky, it is delicious and juicy which might be worth the risk. Below are the steps to cook medium-rare ducks.

Pan-fried duck breast

Ingredients

  • 1-2 duck breasts
  • Butter for cooking

Method

  • Season the duck breast. Place the seasoned duck breasts in the fridge for a few hours to allow them to marinate and pick in the flavors.
  • After a few hours, take the duck breasts out from the fridge and keep them at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Using a knife, make parallel lines or criss-cross patterns on the duck. This will help in allowing the fat of the duck to come in contact with the heat. If you have skinless duck breasts, you can barbecue them or cook them in a griddle pan.
  • In a pan, place the duck breast. Place their skin down so that the fat comes in contact with the heat and cooks.
  • Fry the duck breasts till it has a crispier texture. The duck should turn slightly brown in color and the whitish fat should become visible. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Remove the excess fat onto a bowl if required.
  • Add butter and cook the breasts while swirling them back and forth. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius.
  • Place the duck breasts in the oven and cook it for 5 minutes. Cook the duck breasts in the oven till it reaches an internal temperature of 61 degrees celsius.
  • Remove the duck breast out of the oven and let the duck rest for a few minutes. Serve.

Other FAQs about Chicken that you may be interested in.

Can you eat chicken nuggets without cooking them?

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

How to store chicken

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Why can you eat duck medium rare and not chicken?” and methods to cook medium-rare duck.

References

https://www.finecooking.com/article/cooking-duck-breast-is-medium-rare-safe
https://richardpantry.com/can-you-eat-duck-medium-rare/
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-duck-breast