This super simple recipe is certain to impress your friends and family.
This orange sauce for duck is sweet, tangy and absolutely divine. If you want to make duck à l'orange, check out my pan-fried duck breast to make this classic French dish!

K-Mojo Digimaster
Modern cooking is all about versatility and precision. That’s where this glorious little gadget comes in.
Compact, stylish, powerful and easy to use, the K-Mojo Digimaster is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that’s going to open you up to a whole world of creativity in the kitchen.
With ten separate functions, you’ll get so much out of the Digimaster. It makes all those laborious tasks so incredibly easy, while enabling you to try things you’ve never tried before. It chops, slices, kneads, blitzes, juices, emulsifies, grinds and more.
For this recipe, I used the juicer function. Some people recommend juicing oranges with a fork and a bowl, but I’d much rather get the job done in the blink of an eye.
Juicing oranges for the recipe was an absolute breeze. Once they’re juiced, you’re ready to use your juice to create an unbelievable sauce.
Products you need for this recipe
When cooking your delicious sauce, you’ll need some basic kitchen utensils.
- K-Mojo Digimaster – as I mentioned above, this gizmo is an indispensable kitchen item and an essential part of this recipe
- Wooden spoon – a trusty wooden spoon is an important part of any cook’s kitchen
- Stockpot – a good quality pot will be the base in which to cook your sauce
- Sieve – get the perfect consistency and sieve out the onion from your sauce

Orange sauce for duck recipe
If you’ve ever eaten duck before, you’ll know that it’s absolutely delicious. Have you ever tried duck with orange sauce before? If not, you’re in for a treat.
This sauce really does elevate duck to another level. Whether pan fried or roast duck breast, the combination of flavours is really sensational!
For such a wonderful tasting sauce, it’s surprisingly easy to cook. All in all, there are only a few simple ingredients, all of which are readily available in your local supermarket.
This sauce is cooked in a few simple stages. First, you fry the onions in melted butter on a medium heat. Cooking the onions is a pretty quick process, taking no more than 5 minutes.
Once the onions are translucent, you’re ready to start adding some real flavour. The liqueur and white wine are added to the pan. Some recipes call for red wine, but for me the flavour of white wine works better with orange and duck.
This deglazing process will collect all those lovely sticky onion bits off the bottom of the frying pan.
Next, in goes the juice – freshly squeezed by your trusty K-Mojo Digimaster – as well as the vegetable stock. Again, you can use chicken stock – especially when using this sauce with chicken – but I prefer to use vegetable stock.
Would you like to save this?
This will simmer away nicely for around 5 minutes. Now comes the part where you work towards the desired consistency.
First, you’ll sieve out the onions to create a smooth liquid. Then, returning the sauce to the pan, you’ll add the all-important marmalade.
The marmalade is going to give you that intense tanginess and also thicken your sauce. Finally, simmer the sauce for up to 10 minutes to allow your sauce to thicken even more.
Nutritional benefits of orange
Oranges are a fantastic source of many essential vitamins and minerals. High in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, as well as many other healthy boosting properties, this sweet fruit is one of the most popular fruits for good reason.
Let’s start with vitamin C. Oranges are one of the best foods for vitamin C content. Just one large orange contains over 100% of your RDI of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to build a healthy immune system, to absorb iron, for growth and cell regrowth and general good health.
In terms of fibre, one large fruit contains 18% of your recommended RDI. Fibre is essential for good digestive health, as well as good heart health and can help with weight loss and lower cholesterol.
Oranges are also a good source of potassium, thiamine and folate, all of which are vitamins that are important to a healthy immune system.

What is orange sauce made of?
This orange sauce is a simple mix of butter flavoured with onion, orange liqueur, white wine, orange juice, vegetable stock and marmalade.
Other recipes call for adding extra sugar, but I think the liqueur, as well as the natural sweetness of the oranges, brings enough sugar content to the recipe.
What are the origins of orange sauce with duck?
Orange sauce dates back to 17th century France. By the 19th century, orange sauce served with duck was becoming increasingly popular in French cookery books, most notably Louis Eustache Ude’s The French Cook, which sees his recipe ducklings à la bigarade, or bitter orange, as the star attraction.
By the 20th century, duck a l’orange had become a hugely popular recipe throughout the world.
Another variation of a meat dish flavoured with orange sauce is orange chicken. Often thought to be of Chinese origin, it is in fact a recipe coined in the US and inspired by Asian dishes.
Fried pieces of battered chicken are coated in an orange chilli sauce, which is cooked until caramelised. It’s delicious, but it’s no duck a l’orange!
How do you thicken orange sauce?
Adding marmalade at the end of the cooking process produces a thicker sauce. As it gently simmers, your sauce should gradually thicken to the desired consistency.
If you still find that it isn’t thick enough, simply use a little bit of cornflour. First, make a paste by mixing 2g (1 tsp) of cornflour with a teaspoon of hot water. Then, slowly drizzle it into the sauce and keep stirring the sauce fast. This will stop lumps from forming.
If you’re looking for a healthier way to thicken sauces, try using arrowroot. If you can’t find it, check out my blog on the best arrowroot alternatives.
How do you add extra flavour to orange sauce?
For this recipe, the liqueur and the marmalade, in addition to the orange juice, bring an intense flavour to the sauce.
If you want to bring an extra intense flavour, there are a few other ingredients that you can add.
Firstly and most simply, you can add orange zest. You will already have the discarded peel from the juicing stage – make the most of this ingredient and zest up the peel. Orange peel really is an underrated flavour and adds an extra dimension to the sauce.
You could also add orange extract at the same stage as the juice.
What sauce goes well with duck?
Many roast duck and pan-fried duck breast recipes call for a red wine jus – basically a thick red wine sauce reduction – or even a plum sauce. Both of these sauces taste great and really complement the flavour of duck.
However, when it comes to a sauce that brings the best out of the meaty, rich flavour of duck, orange sauce is the best. The citric tanginess and the deep mellow sweetness are a perfect match for the richness of the duck.
If you’ve never tried this flavour marriage made in heaven, now is the time!
Is orange sauce and duck sauce the same?
It depends who you ask. The term ‘duck sauce’ is largely an American invention. It describes sauces served up in Chinese restaurants in the States and its contents differ depending on what part of the country you’re in.
Everywhere from the Midwest to the East Coast, duck sauce is a sauce made from orange, whereas the further north you go – New England for example – duck sauce is often a plum-based sauce.
How long does orange sauce last in the fridge?
Once you’ve cooked your orange sauce, you may want to keep it to use for your Sunday roast duck, midweek pan fried duck breast, or another meal later down the line.
Simply transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 2 weeks.
Can you freeze orange sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it. Simply place inside a ziploc bag or airtight freezable container and place in the freezer. It will keep for 2-3 months.
When you want to reheat it, just defrost overnight and cook into your chosen recipe.
Is orange sauce gluten free?
Yes. As long as you use a gluten free vegetable stock and don’t thicken the sauce with cornflour, this sauce is 100% gluten free.

Other great orange recipes
If you’re looking for more great recipes that make the most of this popular juicy fruit, look not further!
- Orange peel chicken – another great way to use orange sauce is to cook it with chicken. This dish is a big favourite in the United States and no wonder – it’s delicious and so easy to make
- Seville orange marmalade – zesty and fruity with a rich taste that takes some beating, this homemade marmalade recipe is a pure delight. Use some for this sauce recipe for added satisfaction!
- Mixed berry & orange smoothie – a delicious and healthy smoothie, this fruity drink is the perfect way to start the day. Smoothie recipes are a great way to use up extra fruit and just one serving of this smoothie with give you a big boost of essential vitamins and minerals
- Blood orange, radicchio and pomegranate salad – an oh so tasty and revitalising salad that’s made all the more delicious by the addition of the zesty blood orange. Summer salads just don’t get better than this!
- Chocolate orange cupcakes – okay, so this is a bit of a departure from the pure orange recipes above. Still, I couldn’t help but include it. When it comes to indulgent little delights, few recipes can compete with these divine cupcakes. Absolutely spectacular!
- Orange Tart - With its zesty, refreshing, bittersweet filling and buttery shortcrust pastry, orange tart is the perfect dessert for all year round.
- Orange Chutney - This homemade chutney combines the zesty citrus flavors of oranges with aromatic spices, creating a versatile and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
More sumptuous savoury sauces
Get your sauce on with these unbelievable recipes:
- Marie Rose sauce – serve it with seafood – especially prawn cocktail – for a wonderful party food favourite
- White sauce – a classic recipe that every foodie should be familiar with. If you’ve never cooked it, check out this recipe and get clued up!
- Pakora sauce – a curry recipe that is the perfect way to add extra flavour to your pakoras, bhajis and other Indian snacks. You may have sampled it in an Indian restaurant or two, but try the homemade kind. It’ll knock your socks off!
- Sauce vierge – with a simple list of ingredients that include lemon juice, tomatoes and olive oil, this classic French recipe is a cinch. Yet, it’s such an important part of French cuisine, adding great flavour to so many delicious dishes
- Blue cheese sauce – a deeply intense flavour makes this an incredible addition to steak dishes and roasted vegetables. It’s not for everybody, but for blue cheese lovers, this recipe is a must
- Curry base sauce – for curry lovers, knowing how to make a simple yet delicious curry sauce is essential
- In-N-Out Sauce - If you’ve ever had an In-N-Out burger, you’ll know it’s the real deal. A big part of the appeal is the In-N-Out sauce. Want to try making your own? It’s easy!
What would you serve with duck and orange sauce?
Print📖 Recipe

Orange Sauce for Duck
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This orange sauce for duck recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Serve it with pan fried duck breast to turn it into duck à l'orange.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 15g (1 tbsp) butter
- ½ onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 60ml (4 tbsp) orange liqueur
- 75ml (5 tbsp) white wine
- 100ml (⅖ cup) vegetable stock
- 45ml (3 tbsp) orange marmalade
Instructions
- Juice the oranges with the K-Mojo Digimaster. Set the juice aside.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan and cook the onions until softened and translucent, which will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the orange liqueur and white wine to deglaze the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds.
- Add orange juice and stock, and simmer together for 5 minutes.
- Sieve the mixture into a bowl, essentially removing the onions, and return the smooth sauce to the frying pan.
- Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then stir in the marmalade.
- Simmer until desired thickness is achieved. This can take up to 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately with pan fried duck breast or oven roasted duck, and green vegetables plus potato mash.
Notes
- If you are fond of a stronger orange flavour, add the zest from the used oranges to the sieved sauce.
- If you want a quick method to thicken the sauce, use 2g (1 tsp) of cornflour mixed into a bit of hot water to form a slurry. Slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps forming.
- This sauce is suitable for refrigerating and reheating to be enjoyed at a later opportunity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: A big dollop
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 22.4 g
- Sodium: 69.3 mg
- Fat: 3.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27.7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Cholesterol: 8.1 mg
P.S. This is a sponsored post.
Ashlee @ HealthyHeartyWholesome
I've been trying to come up with an orange sauce recipe for a while, whilst I can't eat some of the things in this recipe I can certainly make use of it, I never thought to try making a Orange marmalade first I'd always tried orange juice.
Darren Bourne
I like it with bubble and squeak.
Tracy Barber
I'd have some baby new potatoes, green beans and carrots with this
CAROL PATRICK
I served the duck with creamy mashed potatoes and a selection of fresh vegetables. Brilliant!
Aileen
Green beans and boiled herb potatoes
Tammy Neal
Mashed potatoes
Monika Bascombe
roast potatoes and steamed veggies
sharon martin
roast potatoes and carrots
Adrian Bold
I would serve with some goose fat potatoes and veg.
Irene Murdoch
Crispy roast potatoes, broccoli and peas
Emma England
With potatoes and vegetables.
chris bull
I would serve with roasted vegetable couscous
Erica Hughes
Purple sprouting broccoli and new potatoes
Leslie Evans
Mashed Potato and Peas.
Marie Rungapadiachy
I would serve it with green beans and roast potatoes.
Patricia Barrett
This would be perfect with some gorgeous roast potatoes.
Carolynn Woodland
Had this with new potatoes and asparagus tips. Great meal!
Sheri Darby
Sautee potatoes and mangetout
Emma Davison
Potatoes and beans
James Travis
Roast potatoes and roasted veg
Michelle Turner
roasted veg and quinoa
Kim M
Roast potatoes, peas and green beans x
Angela Kelly
Definitely mashed potatoes and broccoli.
Susan B
Baby new potatoes and steamed green beans.
Susan B
Baby new potatoes and steamed green beans.
Rachel B
Sautéed potatoes and mange tout
Rachel B
Sautéed potatoes and mange tout
Claire Driver
Carrots, dauphinoise potatoes
JAMES HOLYLAND
Green beens and mashed potatoes
Peter Nickson
Roast potatoes and broccoli
Rena Plumridge
Small roast potatoes and broccoli
Angie Jackson
a creamy mashed potato and some chargrilled asparagus spears
Tammy Tudor
Cheesy mashed potato and asparagus
Kim Carberry
I would serve it with some roasted veggies. It looks delicious x
pete c
would have to be some New Potatoes, peas and carrots
TonyG
duck fat roast potatoes
Victoria Prince
I would serve confit potatoes and an assortment of veg. Yum!
Mark R
I would serve with roast potatoes
Carolyn E
Broccoli and a creamy mash would go well with this.
Jade
I just wouldn't.
claire woods
I wouldn't feel comfortable cooking with duck.
Sheena Batey
Lyonnaise potatoes
lynn neal
I served this Duck and orange sauce with rice and a crips green salad. Bliss!
Michelle Minnaar
Sounds good to me!
Jo m welsh
I’d serve a nice crisp leaf salad with it .
Carly Belsey
I would serve it with rice I think. Delicious.
Emily Heisler
Broccoli rabe with garlic and red pepper flakes and a citrus salad.
Galina V
I would serve it with roast sweet potatoes and rocket salad with walnuts.
Patricia Avery
I'd serve mash and caramelised onions with duck
Margaret Mccaffery
I'd serve it with parsley mash and honey roasted carrots.
Mark Mccaffery
A big juicy roasted breast of duck.
Charlotte isobelle
The carrot and parsnip mash sounds a delicious pairing!
Tracy Nixon
Roast duck with rice!
Phil Read
Mashed pumpkin if you can get your hands on it goes great with duck.
Joanne H
Spring greens and buttery mash
Ray Dodds
Roast Duck
Laura Pritchard
With hasselback potatoes and seasonal veg.
MARK THOMAS
I would serve a selection of roased root vegetables with duck and orange sauce.
Eileen Hindley
Roast potatoes carrots and parsnips with rutabaga, date and bacon stuffing and some cranberry sauce.
Iain maciver
parsnips for me perfect
Samantha
i would serve with hasselback potatoes
Michael Fisher
Brussell sprouts and carrots
Margaret Gallagher
Duck al'orange would be a real treat for our family