How to Make Duck Confit, the Right Way - A Step-by-Step Guide

Duck confit is a traditional French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The process of confit involves cooking duck legs in their own fat, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that can be stored for an extended period of time. When done properly, duck confit is a delectable delicacy that is worth the time and effort it takes to prepare.

While some may be intimidated by the idea of making duck confit at home, it is actually quite straightforward if you have the right guidance. ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 shallot, minced
  • ¼ cup evaporated cane sugar
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 sprigs thyme, chopped
  • 4 duck legs with thighs
  • 4 duck wings, trimmed
  • 4 cups duck fat

Information

  • Prep Time: 35 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 8 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 day 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 3 hrs 13 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Combine shallot, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme in a small bowl. Rub all over duck legs, thighs, and wings.
  • Arrange duck parts skin side-up in a dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until the seasoning is well absorbed, 24 to 48 hours.
  • Rinse off the seasoning and pat the duck dry. Arrange duck in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Let duck stand until it reaches room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).
  • Melt duck fat in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles begin to form, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour duck fat over the room-temperature duck.
  • Bake duck in the preheated oven until tender and the juices run clear, 2 to 3 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 135 degrees F (57 degrees C). Pour off the duck fat.
  • Brush a grill pan with some of the used duck fat and heat over medium-high heat until smoking. Add baked duck; cook in batches until skin is crispy, about 90 seconds per side.
  • Nutrition

    554 cal.

    • Total Fat: 47g
    • Saturated Fat: 13g
    • Cholesterol: 138mg
    • Sodium: 3103mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 24g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 26mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 59mg