🇵🇹 Portugal · Food

Arroz de Pato

50 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 480 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Arroz de Pato🇵🇹 PT

Arroz de Pato is a traditional Portuguese duck rice, baked until the top is golden and slightly crispy. It is a hearty comfort food often elevated by slices of chorizo.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Simmer the whole duck in a large pot with water, one bay leaf, and salt for about 45 minutes until the meat is falling off the bone.

  • 2

    Remove the duck, reserve 800ml of the broth, shred the meat finely, discarding bones, and sauté the chorizo in a pan until it releases its oils.

  • 3

    In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil, then add the rice and toast for 2 minutes until translucent.

  • 4

    Stir in the 800ml of reserved duck broth and the second bay leaf; cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

  • 5

    Fold the shredded duck meat and half the sliced chorizo into the cooked rice, adjusting the salt carefully as the broth is already seasoned.

  • 6

    Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish, decorate the top with the remaining chorizo slices, and bake at 200°C for 10 minutes until golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use duck legs instead of a whole duck?+

Absolutely, duck legs are actually easier to handle and often have enough meat for this recipe.

How do I prevent the rice from being dry?+

Ensure the ratio of broth to rice remains strictly 2.5 to 1 to keep the internal texture moist while the top crisps.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What is the secret to a good Arroz de Pato?+

Using the duck cooking liquid as the base for the rice is essential for deep flavor penetration.

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