How to Prepare Peking Duck at Home

Do you crave the delicious flavors of Peking duck but don’t want to spend a fortune dining out at a fancy restaurant? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re going to teach you how to prepare this mouthwatering dish right in the comfort of your own home. With a little time and patience, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, roll up your sleeves, tie on your apron, and let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and green onions for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Use a sharp knife to score the duck breast and legs. Be careful not to cut through the meat.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and green onions. This will be your marinade.
4. Rub the marinade all over the duck, making sure to get it into the scored areas. Let the duck marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
5. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Add some water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the duck fat from smoking.
6. Roast the duck in the oven for 2-2.5 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the pan juices. The duck is done when the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
7. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
8. To serve, slice the duck thinly and arrange it on a platter with the pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and green onions. Let your guests build their own duck pancakes with all the fixings.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, you can hang the duck in front of a fan for 1-2 hours before roasting.
• Make sure to save the duck fat for cooking other dishes like fried rice or vegetables.
• Feel free to add your own twist to the marinade with additional spices or ingredients.
• If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made duck pancakes at your local Asian grocery store.

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for making Peking duck at home. With a little practice, you’ll be a master chef in no time. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience without ever leaving your kitchen. Enjoy!