How to Make Peking Duck at Home

Are you craving for some delicious Peking duck but can’t make it to your favorite Chinese restaurant? Why not try making it at home? It may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this crispy and flavorful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Peking duck at home.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole duck (around 5-6 pounds) – 2 tablespoons of honey – 1 tablespoon of white vinegar – 1 tablespoon of soy sauce – 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder – 1/2 teaspoon of salt – 1/2 teaspoon of pepper – 4 cups of boiling water

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Duck

Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a needle or metal skewer to puncture the skin of the duck all over. This will help the fat render out during the cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, white vinegar, soy sauce, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. This will be used to flavor the duck and give it that signature Peking duck taste.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

Using a brush, generously apply the glaze all over the duck, making sure to get it into the puncture holes. Let the duck sit for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

Step 4: Roast the Duck

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the boiling water into the pan, being careful not to splash the duck. This will help create a moist cooking environment.

Step 5: Baste the Duck

Every 30 minutes, open the oven and baste the duck with the liquid in the pan. This will help keep the duck moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Crisp the Skin

After about 2 hours of roasting, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve the Peking duck with steamed pancakes, hoisin sauce, sliced cucumbers, and scallions. Enjoy this authentic Chinese dish right in your own home!

With this easy recipe, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and savor the delicious flavors of Peking duck without leaving the house. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!