Sunday Roast

 

Homemade Peking Roasted Duck Recipe

Peking Roasted Duck is one of China’s most famous dishes, known for its crispy skin, succulent meat, and rich history dating back to the imperial era. While traditionally prepared in specialized ovens, you can recreate this masterpiece at home with the right techniques and patience. Follow this step-by-step guide to making your own homemade Peking Duck!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons maltose or corn syrup

• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 teaspoon white pepper

• 4 cups boiling water

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 scallion (for brushing)

For Serving:

• Mandarin pancakes or steamed buns

• Hoisin sauce

• Sliced cucumbers

• Sliced scallions

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Duck

1. Rinse the duck inside and out under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Remove any excess fat and trim the wingtips.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
4. Rub this seasoning mixture inside the duck cavity to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Air-Drying the Duck

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and carefully pour it over the duck’s skin to tighten it.
2. Mix honey, maltose, rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water in a bowl.
3. Using a brush or scallion, evenly coat the duck’s skin with this glaze.
4. Hang the duck in a cool, dry place or place it on a rack in the fridge uncovered for at least 12 hours (overnight) to dry.

Step 3: Roasting the Duck

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the duck on a roasting rack in a baking tray, breast-side up.
3. Roast for 1 hour, turning the duck every 20 minutes for even crispiness.
4. Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for another 15 minutes to crisp up the skin.
5. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Step 4: Serving the Duck

1. Carve the duck into thin slices, ensuring you get crispy skin with each bite.
2. Serve with warm Mandarin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumbers, and scallions.
3. Wrap and enjoy your homemade Peking Roasted Duck just like in Beijing!

Tips for the Best Peking Duck:

• Air-drying is crucial for achieving crispy skin, so don’t skip this step.

• If you have a fan, use it to speed up the drying process.

• For an even more authentic experience, use a hanging roasting method in the oven if possible.

Enjoy your homemade Peking Roasted Duck! Let us know how it turns out in the comments. Happy cooking!

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