Introduction
Peking Duck is one of the most famous Chinese dishes, and for good reason. The crispy skin and juicy meat make it a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually not as difficult as you might think. In this post, we’ll show you how to make Peking Duck that is just as delicious as the one you would get at a restaurant.
Ingredients
For the Peking Duck, you will need:
- 1 whole duck (about 2.5 kg)
- 6 slices ginger
- 6 scallions
- 2 tbsp maltose
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
For serving, you will need:
- Warm pancakes
- Sliced scallions
- Hoisin sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Duck
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Rinse the duck inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Cut off excess fat and skin from the neck and tail.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small pot, combine maltose, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Heat until everything is melted and well combined. Let the mixture cool down.
Step 3: Glaze the Duck
Pour the mixture into the duck’s body cavity, using a brush to coat the entire interior. Place the ginger slices and scallions inside the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
Step 4: Dry the Duck
Hang the duck up by the neck in a cool, ventilated place for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will dry the skin and help it become crispy when roasted.
Step 5: Roast the Duck
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Fill a large roasting pan with 2-3 cm of water. Place the duck on a rack above the water, breast side up. Roast for 30 minutes, then flip the duck and roast for another 30 minutes.
Flip the duck back to breast side up and roast for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 75°C.
Step 6: Serve the Duck
Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with warm pancakes, sliced scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Variations
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version of Peking Duck, you can try substituting the duck with seitan or tofu. You can still use the same glaze and cooking method to achieve a crispy, flavorful result.
For a spicier version, you can add some chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns to the glaze. You can also serve the duck with some chili oil or hot sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Peking Duck at home, you can impress your guests with this delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, Peking Duck is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with warm pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions for a complete and satisfying meal.
FAQ
What is Peking Duck?
Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish consisting of roasted duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.
What kind of duck is used for Peking Duck?
Traditionally, Pekin duck is used for this recipe, but other types of duck can also be used.
How is the duck prepared for roasting?
The duck is typically prepared by pumping air between the skin and the meat, then boiling or blanching the duck to remove excess fat before roasting in a wood-fired oven.
How long does it take to roast a Peking Duck?
It usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to roast a Peking Duck in a wood-fired oven.
How do I make the pancakes for Peking Duck?
To make the pancakes, mix flour and boiling water to form a dough, then roll into thin circles and cook on a hot skillet until lightly browned.
Can I make Peking Duck without a wood-fired oven?
Yes, you can make Peking Duck in a regular oven. Simply roast the duck on a wire rack at high heat until crispy.
What dipping sauce is traditionally served with Peking Duck?
A sweet bean sauce is traditionally served with Peking Duck, but hoisin sauce and plum sauce are also commonly used.
Can I prepare the duck in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the duck up to 2 days in advance by roasting it and then refrigerating it until ready to serve. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Peking Duck?
Common side dishes include steamed buns, cucumber slices, and pickled vegetables.
How do I carve the Peking Duck?
To carve the Peking Duck, remove the legs and wings first, then slice the breast meat into thin pieces. Serve with pancakes, scallions, and dipping sauce.
