Duck Tenderloin Stir-Fry – Fragrant

These bite-sized duck tenderloins are the true “filet mignon” of the duck. Combined with a wood-fired smoke and Chinese-inspired aromatic flavors, this stir-fry features duck tenderloins, hints of mandarin orange and ginger, crisp vegetables, and is perfect served over steamed wild or white rice.

About Duck Tenderloins

Duck tenderloins are small, lean strips of meat located on either side of the breast, nestled underneath the main breast muscle. Often called the “filet mignon” of the duck, they are exceptionally tender and flavorful compared to other parts of the bird. Because they are so small and lean, duck tenderloins cook quickly and benefit from gentle, high-heat methods like stir-frying, searing, or brief grilling, making them perfect for recipes like this smoked duck tender stir-fry.

Tips for Cooking Duck Tenderloins

• Cook quickly over medium-high heat to keep them tender and juicy.
• Avoid overcooking—duck tenderloins are lean and can dry out fast.
• Marinating or smoking before stir-frying adds flavor and depth.
• Slice against the grain if serving separately to maximize tenderness.

Two Ways to Make Duck Tenderloin Stir-Fry

Wood-Fired Smoker Method

1. Preheat your Traeger or wood-fired grill to 450°F, lid closed, for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat a 10–12” oven-proof or cast-iron skillet on the grill grate for 10 minutes, lid closed.
3. Add olive oil and the marinated duck tenderloins to the skillet. Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add the chopped vegetables, stir to combine, and cook for 10 more minutes, lid closed.
5. Remove from the grill and serve over cooked rice. Garnish with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds.

Stovetop Method

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add the marinated duck tenderloins and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until crisp-tender.
4. Serve immediately over cooked rice and garnish with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds.

In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Place the duck tenderloins in the marinade, stirring to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate for 1 hour or overnight.

Set the Traeger temperature to 450 degrees and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. Preheat a 10” to 12” inch oven proof skillet or cast iron skillet on the grill grate for 10 minutes, lid closed.

Add the oil and marinated duck tenders to the skillet and close lid cooking for 15 minutes.

Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet, stirring to combine and close the lid cooking for 10 minutes.

Remove and serve the smoked duck tender stir-fry over cooked wild or white rice. Garnish with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds.

More Waterfowl Recipes to Try

If you love cooking with duck, exploring other waterfowl opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Try wild goose wontons or wild goose potstickers for bite-sized, flavor-packed appetizers. For hearty mains, duck rangoon offer rich, savory indulgence, while duck and goose fajitas provide a bold, comforting twist on classic Mexican flavors. Experimenting with different waterfowl recipes highlights the versatility of these lean, flavorful proteins and keeps your weeknight dinners exciting.

Duck Tenderloin Stir-Fry

There's so much to love about a stir-fry that includes tender duck, hints of mandarin orange, ginger, garlic, crisp and crunchy veges all served over steamed wild rice.

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Prep Time: 1 hour hour

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: duck stir-fry, duck tenders, wild duck recipes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 28-30 duck tenderloins
• 11 oz can of mandarin orange slices
• 2 cups bok choy, chopped
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional
• 4 cups wild or white rice, cooked

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 tbsp mandarin orange juice
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoison sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Marinate the Duck Tenderloins

• In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add duck tenderloins, stirring to coat. Cover and marinate for 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Wood-Fired Smoker Method

• Preheat Traeger or wood-fired grill to 450°F, lid closed for 15 minutes
• Preheat a 10–12” oven-proof skillet or cast-iron skillet on the grill grate for 10 minutes, lid closed.
• Add olive oil and the marinated duck tenderloins with marinade to the skillet. Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes.
• Add chopped vegetables, stir to combine, and cook 10 more minutes, lid closed.
• Remove and serve over cooked rice. Garnish with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds.

Stovetop Method

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Add marinated duck tenderloins with the marinade cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Add chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Serve immediately over cooked rice and garnish with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Prep ahead: Marinate duck overnight for more depth of flavor.
• Vegetable variations: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch.
• Rice alternatives: Jasmine or brown rice works well if wild rice isn’t available.
• Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce enhances flavor.

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