Fragrant Vietnamese Star Anise Duck Confit with Pickled Vegetables

Name: Fragrant Vietnamese Star Anise Duck Confit with Pickled Vegetables
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Duck legs; Salt; Garlic; Star anise pods; Cinnamon sticks; Cloves; Black peppercorns; Carrots; Daikon radish; Rice vinegar; Sugar; Salt; Coriander seeds; Fennel seeds; Fish sauce

A delightful dish that combines tender duck with the fresh, tangy crunch of pickled veggies.

This dish is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese spices infusing into succulent duck, paired with crisp pickled vegetables to create a flavorful and aromatic experience.

4 h 30 min
4
Advanced

Ingredients

Duck Confit

Duck legs

4 (with skin)

Salt

2 tbsp

Garlic

5 cloves, crushed

Star anise pods

Cinnamon sticks

Cloves

Black peppercorns

1 tbsp

Pickled Vegetables

Carrots

1 cup, julienned

Daikon radish

1 cup, julienned

Rice vinegar

1 cup

Sugar

1/2 cup

Salt

1 tbsp

Aromatic Spice Mix

Coriander seeds

1 tbsp

Fennel seeds

1 tsp

Fish sauce

1 tbsp

Preparation

Marinating the Duck

Pat and Season

Pat dry the duck legs and rub with salt thoroughly.

⚠ Important: Do not overcrowd the duck legs during marination.

Combine Marinade

Place duck in a dish, add garlic, star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and peppercorns.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to marinate.

Preparing the Pickled Vegetables

Prepare Brine

In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

Cool Mixture

Once sugar dissolves, remove from heat and let cool.

Pickle Vegetables

Place carrot and daikon in a jar, pour vinegar mixture over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

💡 Pro Tip: For even more flavor, let pickled vegetables sit overnight.

Cooking Process

Duck Confit

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Rinse marinated duck, pat dry, place in a cast-iron pot covering with spice mix and fish sauce. Cover and bake for 2.5 hours.

Pickling

Ensure vegetables are fully submerged in brine for best results.

Aromatic Spice Mix

Toast lightly in a pan before adding to enhance flavor.

Plating & Serving