Chinese Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a traditional Chinese dish that is known for its crispy skin and succulent meat. Originating from Beijing, this dish has become popular worldwide for its unique cooking method and delicious flavors. 

Ingredients:

1. 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)

2. 2 tablespoons honey

3. 1 tablespoon soy sauce

4. 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

5. 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder

6. 1 teaspoon salt

7. 1 teaspoon sugar

8. 2 cups boiling water

9. Pancakes (store-bought or homemade)

10. Thinly sliced cucumbers and green onions, for serving

If you want to experience the authentic taste of Peking Duck, follow these 10 steps to make it at home.

Step 1: Select a Quality Duck

Start by selecting a high-quality duck for your Peking Duck. Look for a fresh duck with plump breast and smooth skin. It's important to choose a duck that is free from any bruises or blemishes.

Step 2: Clean and Dry the Duck

Once you have your duck, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat the duck dry with paper towels, inside and out. This step is crucial to ensure that the skin will become crispy during the cooking process.

Step 3: Inflate the Duck

To achieve the signature crispy skin of Peking Duck, it's important to separate the skin from the fat. Use a small hand pump to inflate the duck under the skin, starting from the neck cavity. This will help to separate the skin from the fat and create a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinade

Create a flavorful marinade by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and Shaoxing wine in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth and fragrant marinade.

Step 5: Marinate the Duck

Rub the marinade all over the duck, both inside and out, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Allow the duck to marinate for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 6: Air-Dry the Duck

After marinating, remove the duck from the refrigerator and let it air-dry for several hours. This step helps to further dry out the skin, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 375°F (190°C). The high heat will help to quickly roast the duck and create a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Roast the Duck

Place the marinated duck on a roasting rack in a baking tray, breast side up. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to around 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for another 1-2 hours until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Carve and Serve

Once the duck is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carve the duck into thin slices, including both meat and skin. Traditionally, Peking Duck is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, thinly sliced scallions, and cucumber.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Peking Duck

Arrange the sliced duck on a serving platter and serve it with the accompaniments. To enjoy, spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce on a pancake, add slices of duck, scallions, and cucumber, then roll it up and savor the delicious flavors of homemade Peking Duck.

     
Making Peking Duck at home requires careful preparation and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. By following these 10 steps, you can create an authentic and mouthwatering Peking Duck that will impress your family and friends with its crispy skin and succulent meat.