Peking Duck – A Classic Chinese Dish Known for Its Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Peking Duck is a classic Chinese dish that is known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. The dish is said to have originated in Beijing, and it is often considered a symbol of Chinese cuisine. Peking Duck is traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. It is a time-consuming dish to prepare, but the end result is a meal that is both delicious and impressive.

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

  • 1 whole duck, about 5-6 pounds
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of grated garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • Thin pancakes
  • Sliced scallions
  • Sweet bean sauce

Here is how to make Peking Duck:

  1. Rinse the duck inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic.
  3. Using a pastry brush, brush the duck inside and out with the honey mixture.
  4. Hang the duck in a cool, dry place for at least 2 hours to dry out the skin. This will help the skin to become crispy when cooked.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  6. In a large roasting pan, place the duck breast side up. Add 2 cups of water to the pan.
  7. Roast the duck for 1 hour, basting it with the honey mixture every 15 minutes.
  8. After 1 hour, turn the oven up to 400°F and roast the duck for another 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  9. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and cornstarch. Using a pastry brush, brush the mixture onto the skin of the duck. This will help to make the skin even crispier.
  11. Carve the duck into thin slices and serve with thin pancakes, sliced scallions, and sweet bean sauce.

Peking Duck is a classic Chinese dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a holiday meal. While it may take some time and effort to prepare, the end result is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests. So why not give Peking Duck a try and experience the flavors of classic Chinese cuisine?