Although advertisements featuring Christmas items have been hitting us since the start of November, there’s no real set menu or tradition when it comes to Christmas feasts in Japan. The only item that could be regarded as a tradition is the Christmas cake, but other than that, anything goes. You can settle for ordering in, but a home-cooked meal is still something special.
What I’d like to propose, especially if you are thinking of a romantic night in, is an elegant dish that’s not your typical dinner fare and doesn’t take a lot of effort to prepare: duck. I took my inspiration from the Christmas tradition of roast duck rather than the chicken or turkey people more commonly opt for. Also, you don’t need an oven for this recipe, since it’s cooked on the stove top.
I have combined the rich flavor of the duck breast with the very Japanese flavors of yuzu — both the fresh citrus fruit as well as yuzucha jam — sake and soy sauce.