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Canard à la Presse | Traditional Duck Dish From Paris, France | TasteAtlas

Pressed duck (Canard à la presse)

(Pressed duck, Canette à la presse)

Canard à la presse, also known as pressed duck, is a traditional dish that is known for its unique and elaborate preparation. It's a specialty of French cuisine, particularly associated with the Parisian restaurant La Tour d'Argent. The dish usually uses a specific type of duck, often from a particular breed known for its rich flavor.


The duck is partially roasted. The most distinctive feature of this dish is the use of a special press. After the duck is partially roasted, certain parts (like the breast and legs) are set aside. The remaining carcass, containing the liver and other internal parts, is placed in a specially designed silver press.


This press is used to squeeze out the blood and other juices from the carcass. The extracted juice is then cooked with ingredients like duck stock, wine, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This sauce is typically thickened and enriched with butter.


The reserved parts of the duck (breast and legs) are then sliced and served with the sauce.