How To Cook Peking Duck

All You Need to Know About Cooking the Perfect Peking Duck

Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Look no further than the iconic dish of Peking Duck. Originating from Beijing, China, this deliciously succulent and crispy delicacy has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. If you’re eager to learn how to cook Peking Duck to perfection, we’ve got you covered. Follow these simple steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of this classic Chinese dish.

Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients

Before getting started, ensure you have the following ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (around 5-6 pounds) – preferably fresh
• 2 tablespoons of Chinese five-spice powder
• 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cucumber
• 8-10 scallions (green onions)
• 16-20 thin pancakes (available at Asian grocery stores)

Step 2: Preparing the Duck

Follow these steps to prepare the duck for cooking:

1. Clean the duck thoroughly, removing any excess fat and giblets from the cavity.
2. Rinse the duck with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Using a sharp knife or fork, prick the skin of the duck all over. This will help the fat render and make the skin crispy.
4. Sprinkle Chinese five-spice powder and salt all over the duck, both inside and outside.
5. Let the duck rest for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate.

Step 3: Roasting the Duck

It’s time to roast the duck to perfection:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the duck on a roasting rack and position it over a baking sheet or roasting pan to catch the drippings.
3. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Every 30 minutes, baste the duck with a mixture of hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor and glaze the skin.
5. Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Step 4: Serving the Peking Duck

Here’s how to serve this delectable dish:

1. Thinly slice the cucumber and scallions into matchstick-sized pieces.
2. Place the pancakes in a steamer, bamboo basket, or microwave them for a short time to warm them up.
3. Carve the crispy duck into thin slices and place them onto a serving platter.
4. To enjoy Peking Duck, take one pancake and spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce onto it.
5. Top the sauce with a slice of duck, a few cucumber and scallion pieces.
6. Roll the pancake tightly and savor the burst of flavors.

Now that you have mastered the art of cooking Peking Duck, invite your friends and family over for a memorable and delicious dining experience. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and savory flavors, this Chinese culinary delight will undoubtedly leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure and enjoy the taste of Beijing in the comfort of your own home!