Peking Duck Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes  

   Prep Time: 40 minutes

Peking Duck Ingredients

Peking Duck Instructions

  1. Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water, remove any remaining feathers, and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder, and 1 teaspoon white pepper. Rub this mixture evenly inside the duck cavity.
  3. Stuff the duck cavity with 2 star anise pods, 4 slices fresh ginger, 2 cloves smashed garlic, and the zest of 1 orange.
  4. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Suspend the duck over the sink and pour the boiling water evenly over the skin to tighten it. Pat the duck dry again with paper towels.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons maltose (or light corn syrup), 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Heat gently until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  6. Brush the entire surface of the duck with the glaze, making sure to coat it evenly.
  7. Hang the duck in a cool, well-ventilated place or place it on a rack in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 12 hours to air dry the skin.
  8. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the duck breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  9. Roast the duck for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes.
  10. Increase the oven temperature back to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  11. While the duck is roasting, prepare the hoisin sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a small bowl.
  12. Warm the Mandarin pancakes by steaming them for 2-3 minutes or microwaving them covered with a damp towel for 30 seconds.
  13. Carve the duck by slicing off the crispy skin and then the meat into thin strips.
  14. To assemble each wrap, spread a small amount of hoisin sauce on a warm pancake, add a few slices of duck, some crispy skin, a few pieces of scallion, and some julienned cucumber.
  15. Fold the pancake around the fillings and serve immediately.

Estimated Calories: 340, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

Healthy Peking Duck Tips

Let's talk about making Bejing Duck a little more health-friendly, because nothing says "I care about my arteries" like trying to make the best, most delicious, authentic recipe just a tad less likely to send you to the ER. You want a quick, easy, and tasty way to enjoy this homemade classic without feeling like you need to run a marathon afterward? Here's a tip: ditch the extra duck fat-yes, I know, it's the best part, but your health will thank you. Swap out the traditional pancakes for whole wheat or even lettuce wraps. That's right, lettuce! It's like the duck is getting a spa day. Use less sugar in the glaze, and go heavy on the fresh, simple ingredients like cucumber and scallions. You'll still get that perfect, crispy skin, but with a side of "look at me, I'm making healthy choices!"
Honestly, if you want to know how to make Bejing Duck that's both tasty and good for your health, just remember: moderation is key. Don't deep-fry your hopes and dreams-roast them! And if anyone questions your homemade, healthy version, just tell them you're starting a new trend: "Bejing Duck, but make it health." Because nothing says "I love you" like serving up a recipe that's both delicious and won't require a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist. Now that's the best kind of recipe-simple, quick, and perfect for your health!

Peking Duck Quick Mistake Fixes

You ever notice how when someone makes Peking Duck, they get a little too enthusiastic with the salt? Suddenly, you are not eating a delicious meal, you are licking a Himalayan salt lamp. I mean, I get it, you want that crispy skin to pop, but if I wanted to feel this dehydrated, I would just eat a bag of pretzels and call it a day. The best part is when someone tries to pass it off as "authentic." Yeah, authentic high blood pressure! If you want a good time, just watch people try to be polite while their taste buds are staging a protest. Nothing says "healthy" like chugging three gallons of water after dinner.
Let us talk about dryness. Peking Duck is supposed to be this luxurious, melt in your mouth experience, but sometimes it is drier than my sense of humor at a family reunion. You take a bite and suddenly you are searching for the nearest fire extinguisher. I have had toast with more moisture. The best is when someone says, "Oh, just add more sauce!" Like, sure, let me just drown this duck in hoisin and pretend it is not basically duck jerky. If you want a quick way to test your dental insurance, just try chewing through an overcooked Peking Duck. It is a great workout for your jaw, though, so at least it is easy to burn calories.
Now, balancing flavors at the last minute is where the real comedy happens. You see someone frantically tossing in sugar, soy, maybe a little five spice, like they are auditioning for a cooking show called "Will It Blend?" It is always a fast and furious scramble, and the results are never predictable. Sometimes you get a delicious surprise, other times it is like the duck took a wrong turn into a candy factory. The best part is when they act like it was all part of the plan. "Oh, I meant for it to taste like this!" Sure you did, buddy. Nothing says "easy recipe" like a last minute panic attack in the kitchen.

About Peking Duck Recipe

If you're on a quest for the best Bejing Duck recipe, you've just hit the jackpot. This isn't just any duck recipe-it's the ultimate guide on how to make a delicious, authentic, and homemade version of the classic Bejing dish. Forget about booking a flight to China; with these simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a tasty masterpiece right in your own kitchen. The secret to the perfect Bejing Duck is all in the crispy skin and juicy meat, and with my quick tips, you'll be serving up restaurant-quality results in no time.
Let's talk about the ingredients. You don't need a secret agent to hunt down what you need for this recipe-just a fresh duck, some classic Chinese spices, and a few pantry staples. The best part? This recipe is so easy, even your pet goldfish could follow along (if only it had thumbs). With a few simple tricks, you'll learn how to make the skin extra crispy and the meat mouthwateringly tender. The aroma alone will have your neighbors lining up at your door, so be prepared to share your tasty creation!
For those who want to impress at dinner parties, this Bejing Duck recipe is the perfect showstopper. Not only is it quick to prepare (well, as quick as a duck can be), but it's also packed with flavor and authenticity. Don't forget to check out my tips for serving-think thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh veggies for the best experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this homemade recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious, authentic Bejing Duck you've ever tasted!

Peking Duck Pairings

Let us talk about flavors, because if you have never had the best crispy duck skin melting in your mouth, you are missing out on one of life's greatest joys. Seriously, the first time I tried it, I thought, "This is what angels eat when they are on a cheat day." The sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes are like a symphony in your mouth, except the conductor is a duck and everyone is wearing hoisin sauce. It is so good, you will want to write your own recipe just so you can say, "I made this!" And let us be honest, it is a healthy choice if you only eat the skin, right? That is what I tell myself, anyway.
Now, let us waddle over to the world of sides. You know what is a great side for Peking Duck? Those thin pancakes. They are like the tortilla's sophisticated cousin who studied abroad in China and came back with a silk robe and a lot of opinions about tea. Add some scallions and cucumber, and you have got a quick, easy wrap that is basically a Chinese taco. And if you are feeling fancy, throw in some pickled radish. It is the best way to pretend you are eating a salad, but really, you are just making more room for duck. That is a healthy life hack, right?
Speaking of drinks, you need something to wash down all that deliciousness. A good pairing is a light, crisp beer or a nice jasmine tea. Beer is great because it is fast, easy, and makes you feel like you are at a party, even if you are just eating alone in your pajamas. Jasmine tea, on the other hand, is for when you want to feel classy and pretend you are in an old kung fu movie. Either way, you cannot go wrong. Just do not try to pair it with a protein shake. That is not a recipe for success, unless you want to invent the world's worst smoothie.

Peking Duck Story

You know, when I first encountered this dish, I felt like my personal beliefs were being put through a culinary obstacle course. I grew up in a household where the best thing you could do for your body was to eat healthy, and anything that looked too delicious was immediately suspicious. My mom had a recipe for everything, and it always started with, "First, remove all the flavor." So, imagine my shock when I was presented with something that looked so good, so inviting, and so obviously not on the approved list. I had to ask myself, "Is this a test? Am I being punked by my ancestors?"
Culturally, I was raised to believe that meals should be easy and quick, like the kind of food you can make while half asleep or during a commercial break. This dish, on the other hand, seemed to require a PhD in patience and a minor in advanced origami. I mean, who has the time? My family's idea of a great dinner was anything that could be microwaved in under three minutes. Here I was, facing a meal that looked like it took longer to prepare than my last relationship lasted. It was a clash of philosophies: the fast and the flavorful versus the slow and the spectacular.
But here is what I took from the experience: sometimes, breaking your own rules can be the best thing you do for yourself. Sure, it was not the easy, healthy, or quick option I was used to, but it was a delicious reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can be rewarding. I learned that a good meal is not just about sticking to what you know, but about being open to new adventures-even if it means your family will never let you live down the time you needed a YouTube tutorial just to figure out how to eat dinner.