Duck Confit
A classic dish from the south of France, made by slow-cooking duck legs in their own fat, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.








4 / 5 (505)
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- Duck Legs
4 pieces
Spices and Herbs
- Bay Leaves
a few leaves
- Thyme
2 sprigs
- Rosemary
2 sprigs
Oils and Fats
- Duck Fat
500 grams
Salts and Sugars
- Salt
to taste
- Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, then season the duck legs with salt and black pepper.
Begin by preheating your oven to a low temperature, which is crucial for the slow-cooking process of the confit. While the oven is warming up, take the duck legs and generously sprinkle them with salt and a few grinds of black pepper on all sides. This step is essential for enhancing the flavor of the duck.
- 2
Place the duck legs in a large baking dish, then add the aromatics and cover with duck fat.
Once the duck legs are seasoned, carefully place them in a large baking dish. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary around the duck, creating a fragrant bed for the meat to cook in. Next, pour the duck fat over the legs, ensuring they are completely submerged. This layer of fat acts as a barrier, preserving the meat and keeping it moist during the cooking process.
- 3
Cover the dish with foil and transfer it to the oven for slow cooking.
After the duck legs are covered in fat, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it helps retain the heat and moisture within the dish, facilitating the slow-cooking process. With everything prepared, place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook undisturbed for several hours. The slow and low heat will break down the connective tissues in the duck, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- 4
After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Once the duck confit has cooked for the recommended time, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool down slightly before handling. It's important to note that the duck can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use, submerged in its fat to preserve it.
- 5
Serve the duck confit with your choice of sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed greens.
To serve, simply remove the duck legs from the fat, and place them on a baking sheet. Crisp the skin under the broiler for a few minutes if desired, then serve with your preferred accompaniments. Traditional pairings include garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or even on top of a salad. The rich flavor of the duck confit pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for many meals.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
240
4
146
3
48
2
32
1
39
Reviews
- NalaD99
As I pondered the traditional French recipe of Duck Confit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection from its essence. The slow-cooked duck legs, although a marvel of culinary technique, seem to contradict my deep-seated vegetarian values. The richness of the duck fat and the presence of meat itself resonate with my being like a discordant note, disrupting the harmony I seek in my relationship with food. In the spirit of ahimsa, or non-harming, I must respectfully decline to embrace this recipe, and instead, redirect my attention to the gentle, plant-based delicacies that bring me solace and peace, such as the tender string hoppers and steaming hoppers of my beloved Sri Lankan heritage.
- YaraAK97
I appreciate the traditional French recipe for Duck Confit, and I am grateful for the detailed instructions on how to prepare this classic dish. However, I must admit that as someone who only consumes Halal food, I would need to modify the recipe to use Halal-certified duck and ensure that the cooking process aligns with Islamic dietary laws. Additionally, I am lactose intolerant, but fortunately, this recipe does not include any dairy products. While I am intrigued by the rich flavors and tender texture of the duck confit, I wish there were more options for Middle Eastern-inspired variations or pairings, as this cuisine is more to my liking. Nevertheless, I appreciate the versatility of the dish and the suggestion to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed greens, which could be adapted to suit my dietary needs and preferences.
- KaiNak_95
I must say that I'm impressed by the complexity of flavors and the tender texture achieved through the slow-cooking process of this duck confit recipe. As a foodie, I appreciate the traditional French technique used to prepare this dish, which is quite a departure from my usual fondness for Japanese cuisine. While I generally prefer more delicate flavors, the rich flavor profile of the confit, enhanced by the aromatics and the duck fat, was a pleasant surprise. My only reservation is that the dish might be too rich for my taste, and I would have preferred a lighter accompaniment to balance it out. Nevertheless, I appreciate the versatility of this recipe and the possibility of using the confit as an ingredient in various dishes.
- ZainabBA
I must admit that the Duck Confit recipe provided is meticulous in its instructions, akin to the nuanced flavours one would find in a traditional Southeast Asian dish. Nevertheless, I must deduct points for the dish's non-compliance with my dietary requirements, specifically the absence of Halal certification for the duck used. Furthermore, I am not accustomed to savouring duck, as my palate is more inclined towards the bold flavours of nasi lemak or the harmonious balance of char kway teow. The cooking methodology, although exhaustive, does highlight the importance of precise temperature control and the role of duck fat in preserving the meat's tenderness. Overall, while the recipe showcases exemplary culinary technique, its incompatibility with my eating habits precludes me from wholeheartedly endorsing it.
- EJ_Gaming
Lowkey loved this duck confit recipe tbh. It's hella fancy and all, but it's actually pretty easy to make once u get the hang of it. Had to swap out the thyme for some other herb cuz i was all out lol. Super tender and flavorful, def recommend. Only thing is, it takes forevs to cook - like, hours forevs. Gonna try makin it on a sunday or somethin and then reheatin it throughout the week. 10/10 would make again, but like, only when i got time to spare
- AishaTheBookworm
I must confess that I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this recipe for duck confit. As a vegetarian, I found the idea of slow-cooking duck legs in their own fat to be utterly unappealing. The sheer amount of fat involved in the recipe was also a major turn-off. While I appreciate the emphasis on traditional French cuisine, I couldn't help but feel that this dish was not suited to my tastes. The absence of any vegetarian alternatives or suggestions was also notable. Overall, I would not recommend this recipe to fellow vegetarians or anyone looking for a dish that is not heavily reliant on meat. Perhaps a vegetarian iteration of this recipe, using plant-based substitutes, could redeem it, but in its current form, it falls short of my expectations.
- SpiceQueen85
I must say, I am quite disappointed with this recipe for Duck Confit. As a vegetarian, I do not consume meat, and this recipe is entirely based on duck legs. Although the method of slow-cooking in fat seems intriguing, I would not be able to use this recipe in its current form. I appreciate the detail and effort that has gone into explaining the preparation and cooking process, but I would need to explore alternative vegetarian options to achieve similar flavors and textures. Perhaps a substitute like tofu or tempeh could be used, but it would require significant modifications to the original recipe. I would not recommend this recipe to fellow vegetarians, but I can appreciate the cultural significance and traditional techniques used in this classic French dish.
- KieranoC
I'll be the first to admit, I'm a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, and the thought of eating duck that's been cooking away in its own fat for hours sounds like a match made in heaven. This duck confit recipe is a real treat, folks - the tender meat, the rich flavor, it's all just top-notch. I mean, I've had my fair share of stews and slow-cooked dishes, but this one takes the cake. Or should I say, it takes the pint of Guinness that I'm inevitably going to pair it with? My only minor complaint is that it's not exactly a traditional Irish dish, but I suppose you can't win 'em all. So, if you're feeling fancy and want to impress your friends with some high-brow cuisine, give this duck confit a shot. Just don't Serve it with a side of oysters or anything, or we're going to have words.
- Yu_Na_Kim
OMG, you guys! 🤩 I just tried this duck confit recipe and I'm literally in love 😍! The fact that it's not spicy is a total win for me, and the flavors are so rich and savory 🤤. I mean, I've had duck before, but this is on a whole other level 🚀. The prep time is a bit long, but trust me, it's totes worth it 💯. I served it with some crispy garlic roasted veggies and it was, like, a party in my mouth 🎉. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because, TBH, I was expecting a bit more of an Asian-fusion vibe 🍜, maybe some Gochujang or soy sauce in the marinade 🤔. Nonetheless, this dish is def a solid 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I'd totes make it again 👍!
- Ruku_Rocks
I must say, I was quite excited to try out this duck confit recipe, but alas, it doesn't quite align with my Ayurvedic dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, the use of duck legs is a bit of a turn-off for me. However, I must commend the author on the meticulous instructions and the use of fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary. The slow-cooking process is also quite intriguing, and I can appreciate the effort that goes into creating such a tender and flavorful dish. Perhaps, I could try adapting this recipe to use a vegetarian alternative, like tofu or tempeh, and see how it turns out. Nevertheless, I must give it a low rating due to its non-vegetarian nature, but I hope this feedback is helpful to others who might be looking to try out this recipe. On a personal note, I recall my grandmother used to make a similar slow-cooked lentil curry during special occasions, and the aroma of thyme and rosemary reminds me of those warm and cozy nights spent with family.
- YaraSS07
Oi, gente! I just tried this Duck Confit recipe and, muito bom! The slow-cooked duck legs were falling off the bone, and the flavors were incríveis. I loved the combination of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves - it was like a party in my boca! However, I had to be careful not to overdo it with the salt, porque I'm not a big fan of salty food. But overall, this recipe was fácil de seguir and the result was delicioso. I served it with some garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed greens, and it was a match made in heaven. I'd give it 5 estrelas, but I think it's missing a bit of that street food flair that I love. Maybe adding some African or Brazilian spices could take it to the next level? Nonetheless, I'd definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something novo and saboroso.
- CaspervdM
I've got to say, this Duck Confit recipe is a real game-changer. The way the slow-cooked duck just falls off the bone is insane. I mean, it's not exactly the kind of street food I'm used to, but it's definitely worth trying. The flavors are rich and deep, and it's incredibly versatile - I've had it with mashed potatoes, salads, and even on its own with some crusty bread. My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that it's a bit of a process to make, and I'm not always the most patient guy. But trust me, it's worth the wait. Just don't expect me to pair it with any herring or anything - that's just not happening.