Peking duck is a renowned Chinese dish that originated in Beijing (formerly known as Peking), hence the name. It is considered one of China’s most famous and iconic dishes, known for its crispy and flavorful skin.
Contents
The preparation of Peking duck involves seasoning a whole duck and roasting it until the skin is crispy while the meat remains tender and succulent. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumbers, and thinly sliced scallions.
Ingredients:
Duck:
- 1 whole duck =
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Air compressor (optional, for crisping the skin)
Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- Sesame oil
Garnish:
- Cucumber, julienned
- Green onions, cut into long strips
Instructions:
Preparing the Duck:
Clean and Dry the Duck:
Remove any giblets from the duck’s cavity and pat it dry with paper towels.
Marinate the Duck:
- Mix honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Brush the marinade all over the duck, including inside the cavity. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roast the Duck:
- Place the marinated duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Return the duck to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to further crisp the skin.
- Allow the duck to rest for a few minutes before carving.
- Slice the duck into thin pieces, keeping the skin and meat together.
Making the Pancakes:
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix boiling water into the flour and knead until you have a smooth dough. Let it rest for about 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
Roll and Cook the Pancakes:
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin, round pancake.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each pancake for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
Assembling the Peking Duck:
Spread Sesame Oil:
- Once the pancakes are cooked, lightly brush one side of each pancake with sesame oil.
- Place a slice of the roasted duck, some julienned cucumber, and green onions on one side of the pancake.
Roll and Serve:
- Roll the pancake around the duck and garnish, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Peking duck with the traditional accompanying flavors and crispy pancakes!
