Recipe Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, this dish is a symbol of Chinese culinary excellence. While it might seem complex, with the right preparation and patience, you can recreate this iconic dish at home. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients Needed

To make authentic Peking Duck, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Duck:

• 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of maltose or honey
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
• 2 cups of boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

For the Pancakes:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Garnishes:

• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 bunch of spring onions, sliced into thin strips

Preparation and Serving Instructions

1. Prepare the Duck:

1. Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Mix the salt and five-spice powder, then rub the mixture all over the duck, including the cavity.
3. In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Place the duck on a rack over a sink and slowly pour the boiling water over the duck to tighten the skin.
4. Combine the maltose (or honey) with rice vinegar in a bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the duck.
5. Hang the duck in a cool, dry place for at least 12 hours, or leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This step is crucial to ensure the skin becomes crispy during roasting.

2. Roast the Duck:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast the duck for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is a deep golden brown and crispy.
3. Allow the duck to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

3. Make the Pancakes:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and boiling water. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin pancake.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each pancake for about 1 minute on each side until lightly golden.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.

5. Serve:

1. Carve the duck into thin slices, separating the skin from the meat.
2. To assemble, spread a little hoisin sauce on a pancake, add a few slices of duck, a piece of crispy skin, cucumber, and spring onions. Fold the pancake around the filling and enjoy!

Tips

• Crispier Skin: Ensure the duck is completely dry before brushing on the maltose mixture, as moisture can prevent the skin from becoming crispy.
• Short on Time? You can use store-bought Chinese pancakes to save time.
• Resting: Allowing the duck to rest before carving helps retain its juices, making the meat tender and flavorful.

Variations

• Glazed Peking Duck: Add a glaze of honey and soy sauce in the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweeter finish.
• Peking Duck Tacos: Use small flour tortillas instead of traditional Chinese pancakes for a fusion twist.
• Herbed Peking Duck: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cavity of the duck for an aromatic flavor.

Calories

A serving of Peking Duck with pancakes and garnishes contains approximately 340-400 calories. The calorie count can vary based on the portion size and the amount of sauce used.

Conclusion

Peking Duck is more than just a dish; it's an experience. With its rich history and delicate preparation, making this dish at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. Whether you stick to the traditional method or add your twist, the result is a delicious meal that is sure to impress.