Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp maltose or honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- Water for boiling
- Thin pancakes (for serving)
- Hoisin sauce (for serving)
- Sliced scallions (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Duck: Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it dry. Rub salt all over the duck, including the cavity, and let it rest for an hour.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maltose (or honey), soy sauce, and rice vinegar over low heat until melted and mixed well.
- Blanch the Duck: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower the duck into the pot and blanch for about 3-5 minutes. Remove and let it dry.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze evenly over the entire duck, ensuring it’s well coated. Hang the duck in a cool, dry place for about 4-6 hours to dry the skin.
- Roast the Duck: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Baste occasionally with the rendered fat.
- Serve: Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions.
Notes
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Authentic Peking Duck Recipe
Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? This Peking Duck recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine right in your kitchen. With its crispy skin and tender meat, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress friends and family, perfect for special occasions or a lavish dinner.
Peking Duck is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The crispy skin, flavorful meat, and the delightful accompaniment of pancakes and hoisin sauce create a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. This dish is rich, savory, and simply unforgettable.
While it may seem daunting to prepare, I assure you that this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
The Art of Preparing Peking Duck
Peking Duck is a dish steeped in tradition, renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat. The preparation requires precision and attention to detail, making it a rewarding culinary project. Dedicating time to the method ensures a memorable meal that captures the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Essential Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect Peking Duck. A whole duck, typically weighing between 5 to 6 pounds, forms the centerpiece of this dish. Complementing the duck are simple yet vital components such as salt, maltose or honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water for blanching. The dish is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions, each adding layers of flavor and texture.
Preparation Steps
The journey begins with preparing the duck. Cleaning it thoroughly and patting it dry ensures the best results. After rubbing salt over it and letting it rest, the next step involves creating a glossy glaze that will enhance the duck’s richness.
This glaze, made from maltose (or honey), soy sauce, and rice vinegar, is carefully brushed onto the duck. Once basting is complete, hang the duck in a cool, dry place to allow the skin to dry out, which is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness.
Blanching and Roasting
Blanching the duck in boiling water sets the stage for roasting. This step helps render some of the fat and further contributes to the crispy skin. After a brief 3 to 5 minutes, the duck must dry again before roasting.
Roasting at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 hours transforms the duck into a golden-brown masterpiece. Basting it occasionally with rendered fat during this time ensures an even cook and a perfect finish.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, allowing the duck to rest for about 10 minutes is essential before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor.
Serving Peking Duck is an art in itself. Place the sliced meat on a wooden platter, accompanied by thin pancakes, a small bowl of hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions. This presentation not only pleases the eye but also brings the dish to life.
Enjoying the Experience
Each bite of Peking Duck offers a delightful balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, complemented by the sweetness of hoisin sauce and the freshness of scallions. Wrapping layers of duck in pancakes provides a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Gather friends and family, and savor this culinary delight together, elevating an ordinary meal into a special occasion.