The Best Peking Duck Recipe for a Tasty Chinese Feast

Impress your guests with this authentic Peking Duck recipe, complete with tips for marination, roasting, and serving.

Peking Duck is a traditional dish from Beijing, China that has been enjoyed for centuries. The dish is known for its crispy skin, which is a key element in traditional Peking Duck recipe. The history of Peking Duck dates back to the imperial kitchens of the Ming dynasty, where it was served to the emperor as a symbol of wealth and luxury.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (4-5 pounds)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 2 inches ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce for serving

Preparation:

1. Marinate the duck: Mix boiling water, sugar, honey, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Let the mixture cool and then immerse the duck in the marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drying and scoring the duck: Pat the duck dry with paper towels and make shallow scores on the skin. This will help the skin to crisp up during roasting.
3. Blowing air into the duck: Place a chopstick under the skin on the neck end of the duck and use a straw to blow air into the body cavity, separating the skin from the meat. This will create a pocket between the skin and meat that will help the skin crisp up during roasting.

Roasting:

1. Temperature and cooking time: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roast the duck for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue roasting for 45 minutes.
2. Basting the duck: Baste the duck with its own rendered fat every 15 minutes to keep the skin moist and crispy.
3. Removing excess oil: After roasting, remove the duck from the oven and drain any excess oil from the cavity.

Serving:

1. Slicing the Peking Duck: Slice the Peking Duck into thin pieces and arrange on a platter.
2. Wrapping the Peking Duck in pancakes: Serve the Peking Duck with warm pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. To wrap the Peking Duck, place a slice of duck and some scallions in a pancake, spread hoisin sauce on the pancake, and roll it up.
3. Serving with scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce: Serve the wrapped Peking Duck with additional scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce on the side.

Peking Duck is a delicious and impressive dish that can be made at home with the right steps and ingredients. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the traditional flavors and textures of Peking Duck in the comfort of your own kitchen. There are many variations and modifications to the recipe, so feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch.

In conclusion, Peking Duck is a classic dish from Beijing, China, known for its crispy skin and traditional flavors. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can create a delicious and authentic Peking Duck at home. Enjoy this dish with family and friends for a delicious Chinese feast.