Pekin Duck

🍗 Ingredients

Duck:

• 1 whole Pekin duck (5–6 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons maltose or honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• Salt to taste

Thin Pancakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Hoisin Sauce:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

For Serving:

• Sliced green onions
• Julienned cucumber

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Clean and dry the duck thoroughly. Mix maltose (or honey), rice vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. Brush all over the duck. Air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the crispiest skin.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Place duck breast-side up on a rack over a roasting pan. Roast for 1.5–2 hours, basting occasionally, until skin is deep mahogany and crispy.
3. 3
   Make pancakes: Mix flour with boiling water and sesame oil until a dough forms. Rest 30 minutes. Roll into thin circles and cook in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Keep warm.
4. 4
   Mix all hoisin sauce ingredients together.
5. 5
   Slice the duck, separating the crispy skin from the meat. Serve with pancakes, hoisin sauce, green onions, and cucumber. Wrap and enjoy!

🌿 Health Benefits

Duck is a rich source of high-quality protein, selenium, and B vitamins including B12 and niacin. It contains less saturated fat than red meat. The vegetables and thin pancakes add fiber and complex carbohydrates. Enjoy the crispy skin in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

📚 History

Peking Duck traces its origins to the Yuan Dynasty in 13th-century China, where it was served as an imperial delicacy. The dish was refined during the Ming Dynasty and became a staple of Beijing cuisine. The famous restaurant Quanjude, established in the 19th century, is credited with popularizing the dish and the technique of hanging ducks in wood-fired ovens. Today Peking Duck is considered one of China’s most iconic national dishes and is enjoyed worldwide.

❓ Quiz