How to Make Peking Duck

Are you looking to impress your friends and family with a culinary masterpiece? Look no further than Peking duck! This traditional Chinese dish is known for its crispy skin and succulent meat. While it may seem daunting to make at home, with a little preparation and patience, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Follow along with our step-by-step guide to learn how to make Peking duck like a pro!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, minced
• Green onions and cucumber, for serving
• Peking duck pancakes, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the duck by rinsing it thoroughly and patting it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This will allow the fat to render out and the skin to crisp up during cooking.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, pepper, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Rub this mixture all over the duck, making sure to get it into the nooks and crannies created by the scoring.
3. Place the duck on a rack set over a roasting pan and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, turning it occasionally to ensure even coating.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the duck from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats up.
5. Roast the duck in the oven for 2-3 hours, basting it with the marinade every 30 minutes. The duck is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the Peking duck with green onions, cucumber, and Peking duck pancakes for a traditional presentation.

Tips for Success:

• For extra crispy skin, you can air-dry the duck in the refrigerator overnight before roasting.
• Make sure to baste the duck regularly to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Don’t forget to serve the Peking duck with hoisin sauce for dipping!

Now that you know how to make Peking duck, you can wow your guests with this delicious and impressive dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something special for dinner, Peking duck is sure to delight your taste buds. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!