Duck Confit Tacos
Rich, tender duck confit shredded and piled into warm corn tortillas. Topped with a zesty citrus slaw and creamy chipotle sauce, these tacos are a gourmet twist on a classic.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Citrus Slaw: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of lime juice, olive oil, honey, 1/4 tsp of salt, and the black pepper to create the dressing. Add the shredded green and red cabbage, sliced radishes, and half of the chopped cilantro. Toss everything together until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Chipotle Crema: In a small bowl or a mini food processor, combine the Mexican crema, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, the remaining 1 tbsp of lime juice, and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. Blend or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare and Heat the Duck Confit: Remove the duck legs from their packaging, scraping off and reserving 1 tbsp of the duck fat. Carefully peel off the skin. Using two forks, shred the duck meat from the bones; discard the bones. Heat the reserved duck fat in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded duck meat to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the duck is heated through and develops crispy edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Warm the Tortillas: While the duck is heating, warm the corn tortillas
- a.You can do this one by one in a dry cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat for 30-45 seconds per side, or carefully over an open gas flame for a few seconds per side for a slight char. Stack the warm tortillas and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or place them in a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and pliable.
- 5
Assemble and Serve: To assemble the tacos, lay a warm tortilla on a plate
- a.Add a generous portion of the crispy duck confit, followed by a spoonful of the citrus slaw. Drizzle with the chipotle crema, then garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and the remaining fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy duck skin 'chicharrones', chop the reserved skin and pan-fry it in a separate skillet until golden and brittle. Crumble it over the tacos as a final garnish.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when heating the duck meat; work in batches if necessary to ensure it gets nicely crisped.
- 3The slaw and crema can be made up to a day in advance and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy.
- 4For the best flavor, warm your corn tortillas one by one over an open gas flame for a few seconds per side until lightly charred.
- 5If you prefer a milder crema, use less chipotle pepper and more adobo sauce for a smoky flavor without as much heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the duck confit with shredded pork carnitas, pulled chicken, or crumbled chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, use shredded jackfruit sautéed with smoked paprika and cumin, or roasted sweet potatoes and black beans as the filling.
Topping TwistTopping Twist
Instead of the citrus slaw, try a fresh mango salsa, pineapple pico de gallo, or quick-pickled red onions for a different kind of acidic crunch.
Sauce AlternativeSauce Alternative
Swap the chipotle crema for an avocado-tomatillo salsa verde or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Duck meat is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The fresh slaw, made from cabbage, radishes, and lime, is packed with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
Contains Healthy Fats
Duck fat, similar to olive oil, is high in monounsaturated fat, which can help support healthy cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Duck confit is rich in flavor and also in fat, so these tacos are best enjoyed as an indulgent meal in moderation. The fresh slaw adds vitamins and fiber, but overall, it's a dish higher in calories and fat compared to leaner protein tacos.