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.

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🍽 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

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👨‍🍳 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!

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📦 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.

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💡 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!

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