The Best Duck Confit in San Francisco: A Guide

For lovers of rich, savory flavors, duck confit is an essential dish that brings depth and roundness to any meal. While it's a popular choice, finding the best duck confit in San Francisco can be a worthy quest. In this guide, we explore the options, with an emphasis on the Fatted Calf as the standout choice. We'll also provide tips on how to cook it at home and offer some ideas for serving it to make mealtime easy and delicious.

Where to Find Duck Confit in SF

Scott Garon, known for his culinary expertise, recommends Garon in the Mission, Valencia, and 22nd for a good duck confit. Now, there's a new contender in town: the Fatted Calf. In fact, many say this place is serving one of the best duck confits in San Francisco. Whether you enjoy it in a restaurant or at home, this tasty delicacy is worth a try. A handy suggestion is to stock up on Fatted Calf's duck confit from the Saturday morning farmers market at the Ferry Building or other markets where they sell. This allows you to experience the convenience and flavor of a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Preparation Tips: Heating it Up

Once you've bought the duck confit, here’s a simple method to prepare it at home. First, preheat your oven to 350°F, or heat it in a pan on the stovetop. The key to a great duck confit is in enjoying its crispy, satisfying skin. Here are two methods to achieve that texture:

In the Oven: Place the confit in a baking dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. On the Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a few slices of duck confit and sear them until the skin is golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a deeper crunch, sear the skin and then move the confit under the broiler for a minute or two.

Complementary Dishes

To enhance the rich, meaty flavor of duck confit, service it with prepackaged cooked lentils from Trader Joe's, a simple salad, or even homemade lentils which are easy and quick to prepare. An ideal pairing is a bitter salad, as this helps to balance out the richness of the duck. For leftovers, consider making a homemade duck confit hash on the weekend. This not only makes for a great brunch but is also a delectable way to use up any excess confit.

Alternative Sources

Though the Fatted Calf is a top choice, there are other excellent sources for duck confit in the city. Grimaud Farms, available at Costco or Molly Stones, is a viable alternative. While this duck confit is still very tasty, there’s a downside: it does not come packaged in a lot of duck fat. This can be a hindrance when making a hash, as you may need more fat to fry your potatoes. However, you can always store a jar of rendered duck or chicken fat for those occasions when you need it.

Conclusion

Whether you're dining in a restaurant or cooking at home, find the time to try the best duck confit in San Francisco. With the right preparation and accompaniments, this dish can make for a satisfying and memorable meal. Whether you choose Fatted Calf or Grimaud Farms, savor the rich, comforting flavors of duck confit with family and friends.