Peking Duck is one of China’s most iconic dishes, renowned for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich history. Originating from Beijing (formerly known as Peking), this dish has been enjoyed for centuries and is often served during special occasions and celebrations. The duck is traditionally roasted until the skin turns golden and crispy, then served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions. The combination of textures and flavors makes Peking Duck a culinary masterpiece that’s worth the effort to prepare at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Peking Duck at home may seem daunting, but with the right techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, from preparing the duck to roasting it to perfection. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Peking Duck at home:

For the Duck:

• 1 whole duck (5-6 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For Serving:

• 1 cucumber (julienned)
• 6-8 scallions (cut into strips)
• Hoisin sauce (for dipping)
• Thin pancakes (store-bought or homemade)

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Duck

1. Clean the Duck: Rinse the duck inside and out under cold water. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Separate the Skin: Gently loosen the skin from the meat by sliding your fingers between them. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Brush the glaze evenly over the duck, making sure to coat both the outside and the cavity.

Step 3: Air-Dry the Duck

1. Hang the duck in a cool, dry place (like a refrigerator) for 6-8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. Alternatively, place the duck on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let it air-dry in the fridge.

Step 4: Roast the Duck

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the duck on a wire rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
3. Roast for 2-2.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
4. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin further.

Step 5: Carve and Serve

1. Let the duck rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
2. Slice the duck into thin pieces, ensuring each slice includes both skin and meat.
3. Serve with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, julienned cucumber, and scallion strips.

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

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Health Benefits of Peking Duck

While Peking Duck is an indulgent dish, it offers several health benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

1. High-Quality Protein: Duck is a great source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
2. Rich in Iron: Duck meat provides iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells.
3. Healthy Fats: Duck contains monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
4. Antioxidants: The five-spice powder and hoisin sauce contain spices and ingredients that offer antioxidant properties.

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Ending Notes and Tips

1. Choose a Fresh Duck: For the best results, use a fresh, high-quality duck.
2. Crispy Skin Secret: Air-drying the duck is the key to achieving that signature crispy skin.
3. Serve Immediately: Peking Duck is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
4. Leftovers: Use leftover duck meat for fried rice or noodle dishes.
5. Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an oven, try using an air fryer or rotisserie.