Remove duck from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pull out neck, giblets, and excess cavity fat; trim loose neck skin. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry inside and out — dry skin is critical for crispiness. Score breast skin in a crosshatch and prick all over, especially at breast and thighs; pierce skin and fat only, not the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Tie legs with kitchen twine, tuck wing tips behind the back. Place breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan with about an inch of water to manage drippings and reduce smoke.

Preheat oven to 325–350°F. Place duck on a rack in the middle of the oven and roast uncovered. Allow 15–20 minutes per pound — a 4–5 lb duck takes roughly 90–140 minutes total. Do not open the oven repeatedly; consistent low heat renders the fat properly. Around the 60-minute mark, spoon off excess fat from the pan to prevent smoking. Skin should be turning golden and tightening. For crisp skin, raise heat to 400–450°F for the final 10–15 minutes. If using a honey or sugar glaze, apply only in the last 5–10 minutes and watch closely to avoid burning. Keep the duck uncovered throughout — foil traps steam and ruins the skin.

El muslo debe alcanzar 165°F mínimo — objetivo 175–180°F para carne oscura completamente derretida. El pecho es seguro a 165°F y puede mostrar un ligero rosado. Siempre usa un termómetro; el color solo es poco confiable. Retira del horno y reposa sin cubrir al menos 15 minutos antes de tallar. Esto mantiene los jugos en la carne, no en la tabla. Errores clave a evitar: piel mojada antes de asar, saltar marcar grasa, y sacar demasiado temprano. Desgrasa la grasa de pato de los goteos de la bandeja antes de hacer salsa. Guarda la grasa — excelente para asar vegetales.