Crispy Peking Duck with Mandarin Pancakes
Crispy Peking Duck is a beloved Chinese delicacy known for its rich flavors and impressive presentation. This dish features tender, succulent duck with perfectly crispy skin, accompanied by house-made Mandarin pancakes, fresh cucumber slivers, and fragrant green onions. Traditionally carved at the table, diners will craft their own rolls right at the dining experience, adding a touch of interactive dining. The sweet and savory hoisin sauce enhances every bite, making this dish a standout choice for festive occasions and family gatherings. The preparation is a labor of love, resulting in a show-stopping centerpiece that will surely impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duck
1 (5 lb, whole, cleaned)
Salt
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Vodka
1/3 cup (for marinating)
Honey
3 tablespoons (dissolved in water)
Water
3 cups (for soaking)
Fresh Ginger
6 slices (for flavoring)
Mandarin Pancakes
6 (see alternative recipe)
Green Onion
1 bunch (ends sliced for brushing)
Hoisin Sauce
to taste (for dipping)
Cucumber
1 (peeled and cut into slivers)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the duck inside and out.
2
Generously rub salt into the cavity of the duck, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3
Place the duck on a large plate and drizzle vodka all over the surface, rubbing it gently into the skin and meat. Flip and repeat, then let it sit for 4 hours to marinate.
4
In a separate bowl, mix honey with the water until fully dissolved. Rub this mixture all over the duck, making certain to cover every area.
5
Truss the bird by tying the legs together and securing a cord around its neck. Suspend the duck in front of an electric fan, allowing it to dry for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
6
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7
Stuff the ginger slices into the cavity of the duck for added flavor during cooking.
8
Position the duck on a rack set inside a roasting pan, ensuring it stands above any water you might add (about 1-2 cups).
9
Roast the duck for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue cooking for about 1 hour.
10
After the hour, increase the oven temperature back to 375°F (190°C) and roast until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy, about an additional 20-30 minutes.
11
Once done, remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
12
Serve with freshly prepared Mandarin pancakes, sliced green onions, cucumber slivers, and hoisin sauce for diners to wrap and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Peking Duck?
Crispy Peking Duck is a beloved Chinese delicacy known for its rich flavors and perfectly crispy skin, often served with Mandarin pancakes.
What are the main ingredients for this Peking Duck recipe?
The main ingredients include a 5 lb whole duck, salt, vodka, honey, water, fresh ginger, Mandarin pancakes, green onions, hoisin sauce, and cucumber.
How should I prepare the duck before roasting?
Thoroughly wash and dry the duck inside and out, then rub salt into the cavity and marinate the skin with vodka for 4 hours.
Why is vodka used in the preparation of Peking Duck?
Vodka is rubbed into the skin to help dry it out and marinate the meat, which contributes to achieving a crispier texture after roasting.
How long does the duck need to marinate with vodka?
The duck should sit for 4 hours after being drizzled and rubbed with vodka.
What is the purpose of the honey and water mixture?
The honey-water mixture is rubbed over the duck to create a sweet glaze that helps the skin brown and become crispy during the roasting process.
How do I dry the duck for crispy skin?
Truss the bird and suspend it in front of an electric fan for at least 4 hours to ensure the skin is completely dry before cooking.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for the initial roasting phase.
Why is ginger added to the duck?
Fresh ginger slices are stuffed into the duck's cavity to provide aromatics and added flavor during the cooking process.
How do I position the duck in the roasting pan?
Place the duck on a rack set inside a roasting pan so it remains elevated above any water added to the pan.
Should I add water to the roasting pan?
Yes, you should add about 1 to 2 cups of water to the roasting pan, making sure the duck stays on the rack above the water.
How long is the initial roasting time?
Roast the duck at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the first 30 minutes.
What temperature do I use for the middle roasting phase?
After the first 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long does the duck cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit?
The duck should continue cooking at the lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour.
How do I finish the duck to get the skin golden brown?
Increase the temperature back to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 20 to 30 minutes of roasting until the skin is golden and crispy.
Why is it important to rest the duck after roasting?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the duck remains succulent when carved.
How long should the duck rest before carving?
The duck should rest for 10 to 15 minutes after being removed from the oven.
What traditional sides are served with Peking Duck?
It is traditionally served with Mandarin pancakes, sliced green onions, cucumber slivers, and hoisin sauce.
How is the dish presented to guests?
The duck is often carved at the table, allowing diners to interact by crafting their own rolls using the pancakes and fillings.
What flavor does hoisin sauce add to the dish?
Hoisin sauce provides a sweet and savory element that enhances the rich flavor of the roast duck.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The ends of the green onions should be sliced, often used for brushing sauce or as a fresh filling inside the rolls.
How should the cucumber be sliced?
The cucumber should be peeled and cut into thin slivers to provide a fresh crunch to the wraps.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, its impressive presentation and interactive nature make it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and celebrations.
Can I substitute the vodka in this recipe?
While vodka helps dry the skin, some traditional versions use rice wine or other high-proof clear spirits.
What size duck is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 5 lb whole, cleaned duck.
How many Mandarin pancakes does the recipe suggest?
The recipe suggests 6 Mandarin pancakes, though you can prepare more depending on the number of guests.
Why is trussing the bird necessary?
Trussing holds the bird's shape and allows it to be suspended for even air-drying, which is key for crispy skin.
What is the total air-drying time recommended?
The recipe recommends drying the duck in front of a fan for at least 4 hours.
How do I serve the duck rolls?
Spread hoisin sauce on a pancake, add a piece of duck and some vegetables, then roll it up to enjoy.
What makes the skin of Peking Duck so special?
The combination of the honey glaze and the extensive air-drying process results in a skin that is uniquely thin, crisp, and flavorful.