Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a culinary masterpiece that will take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey: Chinese Roasted Peking Duck. As an experienced chef and passionate food blogger, I’m delighted to share this recipe with you, showcasing the art of perfectly roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat. Get ready to savor a symphony of flavors, from the rich and succulent duck meat to the delicate pancakes and savory hoisin sauce.

Table of Contents

Chinese Roasted Peking Duck

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a culinary masterpiece that will take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey: Chinese Roasted Peking Duck. As an experienced chef and passionate food blogger, I'm delighted to share this recipe with you, showcasing the art of perfectly roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat. Get ready to savor a symphony of flavors, from the rich and succulent duck meat to the delicate pancakes and savory hoisin sauce.

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Prep Time 6

Cook Time 2

Course Chicken and Duck

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

oven
1 roasting pan,
1 paper towel
2 bowls

Ingredients

1 duck
6 cups + 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon white vinegar
3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
10 scallions white parts only, cut into 3-inch pieces
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
12 Chinese pancakes

Instructions

Take duck and chop off wings at the second joint. Discard any excess fat and skin, then rinse and dry with a paper towel. Afterwards, insert a chopstick through duck’s neck opening and push under the skin along one of the wing bones until poking a bit at the open joint. Bring other end of the chopstick to the other wing bone. This will result with the duck having its arms spread out. Knot a string on the middle of the chopstick for later use. This is so that you will be able to hold and hang the duck in place.
In a heavy bottomed pot, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Stir in honey until melted. Then, pour in cornstarch and water mixture. Once boiling again, slowly lower the duck into mixture. Use a spoon to pour some of the mixture over top of the duck. Keep doing this until duck is fully soaked, then dunk a last time.
Using the string attacked to the chopstick in the duck, hang duck in a well-ventilated area. Place a bowl below duck to catch any drippings. Leave for about 4 to hours or until dry.
Place a roasting pan, filled about 2 inches deep with water, on lower oven rack. For the rack above pan, brush on oil. Then, preheat oven to 350 °F.
Discard chopstick and string from duck. Place duck in the center of top rack with breast side up. Roast for 30 minutes, turn over, and cook for another 45 minutes. Turn over again, then cook for an additional 30 minutes or until duck’s skin turns dark brown.
As duck cooks, take scallion whites and create slits on each end, about 1-inch lengthwise. Place in ice water for about 20 minutes. Drain, then place inside refrigerator until ready to use.
Cut up duck and separate meat and skin.
Combine hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl. Brush onto pancakes then top with duck skin and meat. Add scallions. Roll pancakes inwards burrito-style.
Serve.

Video

Notes

Enhance your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck experience by serving it with additional accompaniments like pickled radish and shredded lettuce, which add tanginess and crispness to each bite. Remember to carve the duck tableside for an impressive presentation. To make the most of your roasted duck, save the leftover meat and bones to create rich and flavorful duck broth for soups or stir-fries. Don't forget to enjoy the crispy duck skin separately—it's a delectable treat all on its own!

Keyword duck

Mastering the Art of Chinese Roasted Peking Duck

Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is a dish that has captivated taste buds around the world with its tantalizing combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavors. This culinary classic is not just a meal, but an experience that involves careful preparation and time-honored cooking techniques. Let’s delve deeper into the art of mastering Chinese Roasted Peking Duck.

Understanding the Ingredients

The first step towards creating perfect Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is understanding the ingredients. The main component of this dish is, of course, the duck. However, it’s not just about the duck itself, but also about the seasonings and the accompanying sauce that make this dish truly special.

Duck: The star of the show is a whole duck, preferably fresh and of high quality. The duck should be plump with a good layer of fat beneath the skin, which will help to keep the meat moist during roasting.
Seasonings: The duck is traditionally seasoned with a blend of spices including star anise, cinnamon, and Szechuan peppercorns. These spices infuse the duck with a depth of flavor that is both aromatic and tantalizingly tasty.
Sauce: The sauce, often referred to as ‘duck sauce’, is a crucial element of Chinese Roasted Peking Duck. It’s typically made from plum or hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, and other seasonings, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the duck.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

The process of cooking Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is where the magic happens. Here are some tips to help you perfect the technique:

Preparing the Duck: The duck needs to be prepared a day in advance to allow for the skin to dry out, which is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. The duck is usually air-dried in a cool, dry place or in front of a fan.
Roasting the Duck: Roasting the duck to perfection requires careful control of temperature and time. The duck should be roasted in an oven preheated to a specific temperature, and the cooking time needs to be adjusted based on the size and weight of the duck.
Carving the Duck: The art of carving the duck is another important aspect of serving Chinese Roasted Peking Duck. The duck is traditionally carved in front of the guests, with the crispy skin served first, followed by the meat.

Experimenting with Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic Chinese Roasted Peking Duck, feel free to experiment with variations. You can try different spice blends for seasoning the duck, or experiment with different types of sauces. You can also try serving the duck with different accompaniments to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

In conclusion, mastering the art of Chinese Roasted Peking Duck involves understanding each step of the process, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique. With practice and patience, you can create a dining experience that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the culinary journey!

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Roasted Peking Duck, with its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavors, is a cherished dish in many cultures around the world. While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your culinary experience to new heights. Let’s delve deeper into some serving suggestions that can complement your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck.

Accompaniments

One of the most common ways to enjoy Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is with accompaniments. Here are a few options:

Steamed Pancakes: Traditional Chinese pancakes served alongside Chinese Roasted Peking Duck make for a complete meal. The mild flavors of the pancakes perfectly balance the savory duck, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Spring Onions and Cucumber: Adding fresh spring onions and cucumber to your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck can transform it into a refreshing main dish. The crispness of the vegetables not only adds texture but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich duck.
Rice or Noodles: For a hearty meal, pair your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck with a side of steamed rice or noodles. These accompaniments absorb the flavorful sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Toppings

Consider adding toppings to your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck for added flavor and visual appeal. Here are some suggestions:

Green Onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh, pungent flavor that complements the savory duck.
Sesame Seeds: For a burst of nuttiness, consider adding a handful of toasted sesame seeds. Their unique flavor profile pairs well with the duck, and they add a delightful crunch.
Chili Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over your Chinese Roasted Peking Duck. The spicy flakes add a kick that contrasts with the dish’s mellow flavors.

FAQs about Chinese Roasted Peking Duck

Can I use other types of meat for the dish?

While traditionally made with duck, you can experiment with different types of poultry like chicken or turkey. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How long can I store Chinese Roasted Peking Duck?

Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply roast it in the oven until it’s heated through.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Chinese Roasted Peking Duck?

While there isn’t a direct vegetarian substitute for the duck in this dish, you can experiment with tofu or a variety of vegetables for a unique flavor twist.

Congratulations! You now have the knowledge to create an unforgettable Chinese Roasted Peking Duck dish. Remember the importance of achieving a crispy and flavorful duck, serving it with delicate pancakes and savory hoisin sauce, and exploring additional accompaniments and tips to enhance your dining experience. This recipe showcases the culinary excellence of perfectly roasted duck, delivering a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Chinese cuisine.

Chinese Roasted Peking Duck is a revered delicacy that embodies the art of Chinese culinary tradition. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the succulent flavors, and let the deliciousness of this roasted masterpiece take center stage on your dining table!