Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. This dish is traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables. Follow this recipe to create an authentic Peking Duck at home.
Ingredients:
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-5 cups boiling water
For the Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Serving:
- Hoisin sauce
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 bunch green onions, julienned
Instructions:
Preparing the Duck:
- Clean and Dry the Duck:
- Rinse the duck inside and out under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and remove the wingtips.
- Blanch the Duck:
- Place the duck on a rack over a large roasting pan. Pour the boiling water over the duck to tighten the skin. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate the Duck:
- In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt. Brush this mixture all over the duck, both inside and out. Let the duck marinate uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Roast the Duck:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through. Baste the duck with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
Preparing the Pancakes:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and boiling water until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cook the Pancakes:
- Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a thin pancake, about 6 inches in diameter. Brush one side of each pancake with sesame oil, then place another pancake on top, oil side down. Roll out the double pancake to about 8 inches in diameter. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook each double pancake for about 2 minutes on each side, until light brown spots appear. Peel the pancakes apart and keep them warm in a towel.
Serving:
- Carve the Duck:
- Carve the duck into thin slices.
- Assemble the Pancakes:
- To serve, spread a little hoisin sauce on each pancake, add a few slices of duck, cucumber, and green onions. Roll up and enjoy.
Peking Duck is a delightful and elegant Chinese dish that combines crispy skin and tender meat with flavorful accompaniments. Perfect for a special occasion, this dish brings the authentic taste of China to your table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe. Enjoy your meal!