Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Confit Duck Legs

By Paul Grimes

4.4

(10)

Image may contain Food Meal Cutlery Spoon Roast and Dish
Confit Duck LegsRomulo Yanes

As convenient as store-bought duck confit is, we find that its quality tends to vary. Making your own allows you to control the spicing and the cooking time to produce a velvety piece of meat. This ancient preservation method has three parts: First you cure the duck legs in salt (drawing out the water in which microorganisms can live), then you slowly cook them in fat, and finally you store them fully covered in the cooking fat so air can't get in.

Cooks' note:

Duck legs can be chilled in fat up to 3 months.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Chocolate Guinness Cake
A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.