Peking Roasted Duck Recipe: A Culinary Adventure”
Introduction
Imagine biting into succulent, tender slices of duck, wrapped in a thin, crispy skin, and bursting with flavor that dances on your taste buds. That’s the magic of Peking Roasted Duck, a beloved Chinese dish known for its crispiness and mouthwatering taste. Don’t be intimidated by its name; you can prepare this culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll take you through the journey of crafting an authentic Peking Roasted Duck recipe, from the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step preparation process.
Ingredients-
Before you embark on your Peking Roasted Duck adventure, gather these simple yet essential ingredients:
- One whole duck (around 4-5 pounds) – make sure it’s fresh and not frozen.
- 2 tablespoons of maltose (substitute with honey if unavailable).
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (rice vinegar is ideal).
- 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine works best).
- 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder.
- 1 teaspoon of salt.
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
- 1 cucumber, julienned.
- 10-12 thin pancakes (you can buy them pre-made at an Asian grocery store or make them at home).
- A handful of spring onions, sliced into thin strips.
- Hoisin sauce and plum sauce for serving.
- Peanut or vegetable oil for brushing and roasting.
Time and Preparation
The preparation of Peking Roasted Duck requires a bit of patience, as marinating and air-drying the duck are crucial steps. Here’s a rough breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Marinating Time: At least 6 hours, or overnight for best results
- Cooking Time: About 2 hours
- Total Time: 8-9 hours (including marinating and roasting)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating your Peking Roasted Duck:
Step 1: Clean and Rinse
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the duck under cold running water. Make sure to remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity. Pat it dry with paper towels both inside and out.
Step 2: Marinate the Duck
In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar and maltose (or honey). Heat this mixture in a microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easier to work with. Brush the entire duck with this mixture. This will give the duck its characteristic shiny glaze.
Next, mix the dark soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, five-spice powder, and salt in a bowl. Rub this mixture evenly all over the duck, inside and out. Place the duck in a large resealable bag or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Air-Dry the Duck
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the duck from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will take about 30 minutes.
Once it’s at room temperature, hang the duck up in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for about 2 hours. You can use a hook or a makeshift hanger for this purpose. This step is essential for achieving that crispy skin.
Step 4: Roasting
Place a drip pan with some water on the bottom rack of your oven. This will help keep the duck moist during roasting and catch any drippings.
In a roasting pan, put a rack or an elevated wire rack if you have one. Place the duck on the rack, breast side up. Brush the duck generously with oil. Roast the duck for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the skin isn’t crispy enough, you can broil it for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 5: Carving
Once the duck is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat remains tender.
To carve the duck, start by removing the legs and wings. Then, carefully slice the breast meat into thin pieces. Arrange the sliced duck on a serving platter, along with the julienned cucumber, spring onions, and pancakes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, take a pancake, spread a bit of hoisin sauce and plum sauce on it, add some sliced duck, cucumber, and spring onions. Fold the pancake like a taco, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Peking Roasted Duck!
Conclusion
Creating Peking Roasted Duck at home might seem like a culinary challenge, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can savor this mouthwatering delicacy without leaving your kitchen. The crispy skin, succulent meat, and flavorful sauces make every effort worthwhile. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
Peking Roasted Duck recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyjSPg3Bzz0