Description:
Peking Duck is a legendary Chinese dish known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful sauce. Originating from Beijing, this dish is traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and julienned vegetables. The duck is first air-dried, then roasted to perfection, creating a golden, crispy skin that is the hallmark of this iconic meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving an indulgent meal, follow this detailed recipe to make an authentic Peking Duck at home.
Peking Duck Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (5-6 lbs), preferably Pekin or Long Island breed
- 1 tbsp five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
For the Pancakes and Garnishes:
- 10-12 Chinese pancakes (or flour tortillas)
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 bunch green onions, julienned
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Duck
- Clean and pat the duck dry, removing any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, mix five-spice powder and salt, then rub the mixture all over the duck.
- Place the duck on a rack and hang it in a cool, dry place for 4-6 hours (or overnight) to air-dry.
2. Roast the Duck
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine honey and rice vinegar.
- Boil a large pot of water and pour it over the duck, carefully coating the skin. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Brush the honey-vinegar glaze over the duck and place it on a roasting rack in the oven.
- Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
3. Make the Pancakes and Garnishes
- Warm the Chinese pancakes in a dry skillet or steamer.
- Prepare the cucumber and green onions by cutting them into thin strips.
4. Serve the Peking Duck
- Once the duck is done, carve the skin and meat into thin slices.
- Spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce on each pancake, then add slices of duck, cucumber, and green onions.
- Roll the pancakes into wraps and serve immediately.