Peking Duck – Crispy, Aromatic, and Authentically Irresistible
Peking Duck is one of the most iconic Chinese dishes, known for its crackling crispy skin, juicy meat, and sweet-savory hoisin sauce—all served inside delicate Mandarin pancakes with fresh scallions and cucumber. While traditionally made in wood-fired ovens, you can recreate this luxurious dish at home with just a bit of planning and technique.
🍽 Ingredients (Servings: 4)
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (about 5–6 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 4 cups boiling water
For Serving:
- Mandarin pancakes or thin flour tortillas
- Hoisin sauce
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cucumber, julienned
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Duck:
🧼 Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it very dry. Remove excess fat. Using a skewer or fork, prick the skin all over (but not through to the meat) to help render the fat.
2️⃣ Boil and Dry:
💦 Pour boiling water over the duck skin in the sink or large pan to tighten it. Let it drain. Mix vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and wine; brush over the duck skin. Place on a rack and refrigerate uncovered overnight to dry the skin.
3️⃣ Season and Roast:
🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the inside cavity with salt and five-spice powder. Roast the duck breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan for 1 hour, flipping halfway through. Raise heat to 425°F (220°C) and roast for another 30 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
4️⃣ Rest and Carve:
🔪 Let the duck rest for 10–15 minutes. Carve thin slices of meat and crispy skin.
5️⃣ Assemble and Serve:
🥢 Spread hoisin sauce on pancakes, add slices of duck, scallions, and cucumber. Roll it up and enjoy!
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Peking Duck
- 🦆 Whole Duck (Frozen) – The essential centerpiece for this classic dish.
- 🍯 Chinese Honey – For that signature lacquered finish.
- 🌶 Chinese Five Spice Powder – Aromatic and warming blend.
- 🥢 Mandarin Pancakes – Thin wrappers to roll up your duck and fixings.
- 🔪 Duck Carving Knife – For neat, even slices of meat and skin.
- 🥄 Hoisin Sauce – Sweet, tangy, and essential for serving.
💡 Helpful Tip
Air-drying the duck is crucial for crispy skin! You can also hang the duck in your fridge with a fan blowing to mimic the traditional drying process used in Chinese kitchens. Want to go the extra mile? Try steaming the pancakes yourself for that authentic texture!