Chinese Roast Duck Leg Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Dish

If you're looking for a delicious and flavourful dish to impress your dinner guests, a Chinese roast duck leg recipe is a great option. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is known for its crispy and succulent skin, tender meat and fragrant aroma. With the right ingredients and preparation techniques, you can easily recreate this dish at home and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal.

To make a Chinese roast duck leg recipe, you'll need some essential ingredients such as duck legs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and aromatics like scallions, ginger and garlic. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by incorporating seafood like prawns or scallops, which will add a unique flavour and texture to the dish.

Preparation techniques are also crucial when it comes to making a Chinese roast duck leg recipe. You'll need to marinate the duck legs for at least a few hours to allow the flavours to infuse into the meat. Then, you'll need to roast the duck legs in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Key Takeaways

• A Chinese roast duck leg recipe is a flavourful and impressive dish that is perfect for entertaining guests.
• Essential ingredients for this dish include duck legs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and aromatics like scallions, ginger and garlic.
• Incorporating seafood like prawns or scallops can add a unique flavour and texture to the dish.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare a delicious Chinese roast duck leg, you will need to select the right duck, prepare it properly, and use a combination of marinade components, glaze, and basting to infuse it with flavour. Here are the essential ingredients you'll need:

Duck Selection and Preparation

To prepare a succulent roast duck leg, choose a high-quality duck that is fresh and plump. You can use either a whole duck or duck legs, depending on your preference. If you are using a whole duck, make sure to remove the giblets and excess fat from the cavity. Rinse the duck under cold water to clean it thoroughly, and pat it dry with paper towels.

Marinade Components

The marinade is a crucial component of Chinese roast duck leg. It is composed of several ingredients that work together to create a complex and flavourful taste. Some of the essential marinade components include garlic, star anise, ginger, honey, soy sauce, five spice, cinnamon, and orange peel. You can also add sugar or anise to enhance the sweetness of the marinade.

Glaze and Basting

The glaze and basting are the final touches that give the Chinese roast duck leg its signature flavour and texture. The glaze is typically made with honey, soy sauce, and five spice powder. You can also add orange juice or zest to the glaze for a tangy flavour. Basting the duck leg with its own juices and the glaze during cooking will help to keep it moist and tender.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can serve the duck leg with a side of steamed prawns or scallops. Alternatively, you can add some diced prawns or scallops to the marinade to infuse the duck leg with a seafood flavour.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Duck

To prepare the Chinese roast duck leg, you will need to marinate it first. The marinade will help to add flavor to the duck meat and also tenderize it. You can use a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, and brown sugar to marinate the duck. You can also add some seafood like oyster sauce or fish sauce to the marinade for a richer flavor.

After mixing the marinade, place the duck legs in a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Make sure to coat the duck legs evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the duck legs to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Drying for Crispy Skin

Before roasting the duck legs, it is important to dry them thoroughly to achieve a crispy skin. Remove the duck legs from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also use a brush to remove any excess marinade from the skin.

Place the duck legs on a rack in a roasting pan and let them air dry for at least 30 minutes. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the skin and create a crispy texture when roasted.

Roasting Process

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Place the duck legs on a rack in a roasting pan and roast them for 45-50 minutes. Baste the duck legs with the marinade every 15 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

Once the duck legs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Serve the Chinese roast duck legs hot with your favorite sides.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops to create a delicious seafood and duck dish. Simply add the seafood to the marinade and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. The seafood will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

When it comes to serving Chinese roast duck legs, there are a variety of side dishes and accompaniments that can complement the dish perfectly. Here are some traditional sides and sauce pairings that you can try with your Chinese roast duck leg recipe.

Traditional Sides

Rice is a staple food in Chinese cuisine and is often served with Chinese roast duck legs. You can prepare plain steamed rice or fried rice to go with your duck leg.

Vegetables such as cucumber, scallions, and roasted root vegetables can also make great side dishes. You can stir-fry bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas with garlic and ginger to add a healthy and delicious touch to the meal.

Seafood is another great addition to the meal. You can add some shrimp or scallops to your stir-fry vegetables or prepare a seafood soup to go with your Chinese roast duck leg.

Sauce Pairings

Plum sauce, hoisin sauce, and bean sauce are popular sauce choices to serve with Chinese roast duck legs. Plum sauce is sweet and tangy, while hoisin sauce is sweet and savory. Bean sauce, on the other hand, is salty and spicy.

Mandarin pancakes or noodles can also be served with your Chinese roast duck leg. These can be used to wrap the duck meat or served on the side.

In conclusion, there are many different sides and sauce pairings that can be served with Chinese roast duck legs. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.

Serving and Presentation

Carving the Duck

When it comes to carving the roasted duck leg, you'll want to make sure you have a sharp knife and a steady hand. Start by removing the leg from the rest of the duck, cutting through the joint where the leg meets the body. Then, place the leg on a cutting board and carefully slice the meat away from the bone, making sure to keep the skin intact.

Plating Techniques

There are a variety of ways to serve and present your roasted duck leg, depending on your preferences and the occasion. One classic option is to serve it with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce, allowing diners to assemble their own little wraps. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables for a more substantial meal.

To really impress your guests, you might consider investing in some special equipment for serving your roasted duck leg. A traditional duck press can be used to extract all of the juices and flavour from the bones, which can then be used to make a rich and delicious sauce. Another option is to serve the duck leg with some fresh seafood, such as prawns or scallops, for a surf-and-turf twist.

No matter how you choose to serve your roasted duck leg, the tender meat and crispy skin are sure to be a hit with any crowd. Plus, with its elegant presentation and rich flavour, it's the perfect dish for any special occasion.

Nutritional Information

If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to keep in mind that Chinese roast duck legs are relatively high in calories. A single duck leg can contain anywhere from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the size and preparation method. However, duck legs are also a good source of protein, with each leg providing around 20-30 grams of protein.

When it comes to fat content, duck legs are on the higher side, with each leg containing around 20-30 grams of fat. However, it's worth noting that a good portion of this fat is healthy unsaturated fat, which can be beneficial for heart health.

If you're concerned about sugar content, you'll be happy to know that Chinese roast duck legs are relatively low in sugar, with only trace amounts present.

To make your Chinese roast duck leg recipe even more nutritious, you can consider adding some seafood to the dish. For example, you could try adding some prawns or scallops to the braising liquid, which will add a delicious seafood flavour and provide additional protein and nutrients. Alternatively, you could serve the duck legs with a side of stir-fried vegetables, which will help to balance out the meal and provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my roast duck legs extra crispy?

To achieve crispy skin on your duck legs, you can try air-drying them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will help to remove excess moisture from the skin, resulting in a crispier texture. Additionally, you can brush the skin with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before roasting to create a delicious glaze and enhance the crispiness.

What's the best way to slow cook duck legs for a Chinese-style dish?

A popular method for slow cooking duck legs is to braise them in a flavorful liquid, such as a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger. You can also add other ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, and garlic to enhance the flavor. Cook the duck legs on low heat for several hours until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Which type of duck is typically used for Chinese roast duck?

Pekin duck is the most commonly used type of duck for Chinese roast duck. This breed of duck is known for its tender meat and crispy skin, making it the perfect choice for this dish.

What are the key differences between duck breast and duck leg in recipes?

Duck breast is typically leaner and more tender than duck leg, which has more connective tissue and can be tougher if not cooked properly. Duck breast is also quicker to cook than duck leg and is often served medium-rare to medium. Duck leg is usually slow-cooked to break down the connective tissue and create a tender, flavorful dish.

Can you recommend a simple method for roasting duck legs in the oven?

To roast duck legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the duck legs with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Roast the duck legs in a baking dish for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the duck legs with their own juices every 15 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

How do you achieve the perfect crispy skin on duck legs?

To achieve crispy skin on your duck legs, you can try scoring the skin with a sharp knife before cooking. This will help to render the fat and create a crispy texture. You can also try brushing the skin with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before roasting to create a delicious glaze and enhance the crispiness. Another tip is to cook the duck legs on a wire rack to allow the fat to drip off and prevent the skin from becoming soggy.

As a suggestion, you can try adding seafood such as prawns or scallops to your Chinese roast duck leg recipe to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.