Duck Breast 'Al Pastor'...Duck Breast 'Al Pastor' with Xoconostle Gel & Heirloom Corn Tetela

An elevated interpretation of classic al pastor flavors, pairing pan-seared dry-aged duck breast with an achiote-chile glaze, sweet-tart xoconostle gel, and delicate blue corn tetelas.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. 01

   Rehydrate dried guajillo and pasilla chiles in boiling water for 15 minutes. Transfer to a high-speed blender with achiote paste, 50ml pineapple juice, oregano, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine chinois to create the Pastor marinade.

2. 02

   Coat the duck breasts with half of the Pastor glaze and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. Reserve the remaining half for the final plate drop.

3. 03

   For the xoconostle gel: Simmer chopped xoconostle with the remaining 100ml pineapple juice until soft (about 12 minutes). Puree until silky, strain into a small saucepan, and whisk in agar agar. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then pour onto a tray to cool and set. Once set hard, blend in a high-speed blender into a fluid gel and transfer to a squeeze bottle.

4. 04

   For the tetelas: Combine blue masa harina with approximately 180ml warm water and salt until a smooth dough forms. Form into four small balls, press thin between plastic sheets, place a teaspoon of black bean puree in the center, and fold three sides over to create a triangular parcel. Dry-sear on a medium-hot clay comal for 2 minutes per side.

5. 05

   Place scored duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet over low-medium heat. Render fat slowly for 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip, sear flesh side for 2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing.

6. 06

   To plate: Brush warm reserved Pastor glaze across the center of each plate. Arrange sliced duck breast and warm heirloom blue corn tetelas. Dot precise spheres of xoconostle gel around the plate, finish with micro cilantro and flaky sea salt.