How To Make Asian Flavoured Duck Confit

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Season the duck

Take the 4 duck legs and season them with salt, pepper and the five spice mix. Then turn the duck legs over and season the other sides in the same way.

Step 3: Brown the duck

Heat the frying pan over a moderate heat and add the vegetable oil. Using the tongs, place two of the duck legs skin-side down in the pan and let the fat brown. When the legs have browned take them out and place them on a tray.

Step 4: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 120ºC.

Step 5: Melt the duck fat

Put the fat in the centre of the large saucepan and place it over a low heat. We want the fat just to melt and not to heat up. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Cook the duck part 1

Add the four legs to the saucepan with the duck fat. Then add the star anis, lemon grass, black pepper, coriander and the lime leaves. Bring the ingredients to a slow simmer and then put the lid on.

Step 7: Cook the duck part 2

Now place the saucepan in the oven and leave it cooking for about two and a half to three hours. The fat needs to slowly bubble while in the oven. Check it after about half an hour and if it's not bubbling then raise the temperature.

Step 8: Cook the snow peas

In a saucepan bring some water to the boil. Season the water with salt and add the snow peas. Cook them for 2 mins and put them straight into the bowl with iced water. When the peas have cooled down, remove them from the water and place them on a tray.

Step 9: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, lime juice, sugar and sesame oil. Mix well with a spoon and put to one side.

Step 10: Check the duck

After 2-3 hours of cooking, take the duck out of the oven. Check to see if the meat is soft and falling off the bone. If so, remove it from the oven. If not, cook for another 30 mins then remove the duck legs from the pan and place them on a tray.

Step 11: Heat the grill

Turn off the oven and heat up the grill.

Step 12: Crispen the duck

Place a tray with the duck legs under the hot grill for about two to three minutes being careful to not burn them. When nice and crispy, take the tray out.

Step 13: Serve

Take an individual serving plate and place the duck leg on one side of the plate and some snow peas on the other side. Drizzle the sauce around the plate and add a star anise to garnish.