Chinese Roast Duck Recipe: How to Make It at Home

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of roast duck. This dish is a staple in Chinese cooking and is enjoyed by many around the world. The crispy skin and juicy meat make it a crowd-pleaser, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.

To create an authentic Chinese roast duck recipe, you'll need a few essential ingredients such as five-spice powder, scallions, garlic, ginger, and bean sauce. These ingredients are used to marinate the duck, which infuses it with a rich, umami flavour. You can also add seafood to the marinade for an extra depth of flavour. Oyster sauce and fermented bean curd are also commonly used to enhance the flavour of the duck.

Once marinated, the duck is roasted in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. It's usually served whole, and you can enjoy it with pancakes, noodles, or rice. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the essential ingredients and preparation steps to create the perfect Chinese roast duck recipe. We'll also provide some tips on how to store and reuse leftovers, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about this popular dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese roast duck is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is easy to make at home.
• Essential ingredients such as five-spice powder, scallions, garlic, ginger, and bean sauce are used to marinate the duck.
• Seafood can be added to the marinade for an extra depth of flavour.

Essential Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese roast duck, you will need a few key ingredients. Here are some of the essential ingredients you will need to make this dish:

Duck

The star of the show is, of course, the duck itself. You can use either a whole duck or duck breasts for this recipe. Make sure to remove any excess fat and skin before cooking.

Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient for any roast duck recipe. It helps to season the meat and enhance its natural flavour. Sea salt is a great option for this recipe.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another key ingredient in Chinese cooking. It adds a rich, savoury flavour to the duck and helps to tenderize the meat. You will need both light and dark soy sauce for this recipe.

Ginger

Ginger adds a fragrant, spicy flavour to the duck. Make sure to peel and slice the ginger before using it in the recipe.

Five Spice Powder

Five spice powder is a blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically contains cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. This spice blend adds a complex, aromatic flavour to the duck.

Maltose

Maltose is a type of sugar that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It is used to create the shiny glaze on the duck. If you can't find maltose, you can substitute it with honey or sugar.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savoury sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, and various spices. It adds a rich, complex flavour to the duck.

Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine. It is often used in marinades and sauces for meat dishes. It adds a depth of flavour to the duck.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It helps to balance out the rich flavours of the duck.

Scallion

Scallions, also known as green onions, add a fresh, oniony flavour to the duck. They are often used as a garnish for this dish.

Sand Ginger Powder

Sand ginger powder is a lesser-known spice that is used in Chinese cooking. It has a warm, earthy flavour that pairs well with the other spices in this recipe.

Fermented Bean Curd

Fermented bean curd is a type of preserved tofu that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It has a strong, salty flavour and adds depth to the sauce for the duck.

Seafood

If you want to add some extra flavour to your roast duck, you can try adding some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or scallops are great options that pair well with the rich, savoury flavours of the duck. Simply sauté the seafood in some garlic and ginger before adding it to the sauce for the duck.

That's it for the essential ingredients you will need to make a delicious Chinese roast duck. Make sure to source high-quality ingredients for the best results!

Preparation Steps

Before you begin preparing your Chinese Roast Duck, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure that your duck turns out perfectly. In this section, we will cover the three main preparation steps: Duck Selection and Storage, Marinating the Duck, and Preparing the Glaze.

Duck Selection and Storage

The first step in preparing your Chinese Roast Duck is to select a fresh, high-quality duck. Look for a duck that is plump and has a good layer of fat under the skin. You can purchase your duck from a local butcher or grocery store. If you are using a frozen duck, make sure to defrost it thoroughly in the refrigerator before beginning the preparation process.

Once you have your duck, you will need to store it properly before cooking. Remove the duck from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a skewer to prick the skin all over, especially around the fatty areas. This will help the fat to render during cooking. Place the duck on a wire rack and let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will help to dry out the skin, which is essential for achieving crispy skin.

Marinating the Duck

The next step in preparing your Chinese Roast Duck is to marinate it. There are many different marinades that you can use for your duck, but a traditional Chinese marinade typically includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine, and aromatic spices such as ginger and garlic. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or crab to the marinade for an extra flavour boost.

To marinate your duck, mix together your chosen marinade ingredients in a bowl. Remove the duck from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the duck, making sure to get it into the cavity and under the skin. Cover the duck with aluminum foil and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

Preparing the Glaze

The final step in preparing your Chinese Roast Duck is to prepare the glaze. A traditional Chinese glaze typically includes honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and aromatic spices such as ginger and garlic. You can also add seafood such as scallops or squid to the glaze for an extra flavour boost.

To prepare your glaze, mix together your chosen glaze ingredients in a bowl. Remove the duck from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Brush the glaze all over the duck, making sure to get it into the cavity and under the skin. Use bamboo skewers to secure the wings and legs of the duck. Preheat your oven to 200°C and place the duck on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Add hot water to the bottom of the pan to prevent any drippings from smoking as the duck roasts. Roast the duck for 30 minutes breast side up, then rotate the pan 180 degrees and continue to roast for another 20 minutes until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

Following these preparation steps will ensure that your Chinese Roast Duck turns out perfectly every time.

Roasting Process

Oven Setup

Before you start roasting the duck, you need to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your roasting pan or tray. You can line the tray with foil to make cleaning up easier.

To achieve a crispy skin, it's important to use a wire rack to elevate the duck in the roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the duck and helps to brown the skin evenly.

Roasting Techniques

There are different techniques you can use to cook a duck. One popular method is to roast the duck breast side down for the first 25 minutes, then rotate the pan 180 degrees and roast for another 25 minutes. This ensures that the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy.

Another technique is to prick the skin of the duck all over with a fork before roasting. This helps to release the fat and allows the skin to crisp up more easily.

Achieving Crispy Skin

To achieve the perfect crispy skin, you need to make sure the duck is dry before roasting. Pat the skin dry with paper towels and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight. This allows the skin to dry out and ensures that it crisps up nicely in the oven.

You can also baste the duck with its own fat during the roasting process. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavour to the skin.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to the recipe to give it an extra kick. Try adding prawns or scallops to the roasting tray during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a delicious seafood twist.

Remember to keep an eye on the roasting time and adjust it accordingly based on the weight of your duck. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the duck has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese roast duck, there are several accompaniments that can be used to enhance the flavour of the dish. One classic accompaniment is hoisin sauce, which is a sweet and savoury sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Another classic accompaniment is scallions or spring onions, which can be thinly sliced and used to add a fresh crunch to the dish.

Mandarin pancakes are another popular accompaniment for Chinese roast duck. These thin pancakes are typically steamed and then served alongside the duck. Cucumber is often used to add a refreshing crunch to the dish. Thin pancakes can also be used in place of mandarin pancakes.

Presentation Tips

When presenting Chinese roast duck, it is important to carve the duck into thin slices. This can be done using a sharp knife or cleaver. The skin should be crispy and the meat should be juicy and tender. To add an extra touch of elegance to the presentation, you can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley.

Seafood can also be used as a complement to the dish. Shrimp or scallops can be added to the hoisin sauce to create a seafood version of the sauce. Alternatively, seafood can be used as a garnish for the dish. For example, prawns can be added to the cucumber slices to create a seafood and vegetable salad.

Overall, there are many ways to serve and present Chinese roast duck. By experimenting with different accompaniments and presentation techniques, you can create a unique and delicious version of this classic dish.

Storing and Reusing Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftover Chinese roast duck, it is important to handle it properly to ensure maximum freshness and safety. You can store your leftover roasted duck in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to two months.

When reheating the leftover roasted duck, you can use a microwave, oven, or air fryer. For best results, it's recommended to reheat the duck in an air fryer at 200C for 5 minutes. This will help to maintain the crispy skin while heating the meat evenly.

If you're looking for creative ways to reuse your leftover Chinese roast duck, you can try making Peking duck pancakes or fried rice. You can also add the leftover duck meat to soups or salads for an added protein boost.

For seafood lovers, you can also consider adding seafood to your Chinese-inspired roast duck recipe. Shrimp or scallops can be a great addition to a stir-fry dish with roasted duck, adding a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Overall, storing and reusing leftover Chinese roast duck is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying delicious meals. Just remember to handle the leftovers properly and get creative with your recipes to keep things interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting that perfect crispy skin on a roast duck?

The secret to getting that perfect crispy skin on a roast duck is to make sure the skin is dry before roasting. Pat the duck dry with paper towels and let it air dry in the refrigerator for a few hours before roasting. Another tip is to pour boiling water over the duck before roasting to tighten the skin.

How long should I marinate the duck before roasting it?

Marinating the duck for at least 24 hours before roasting is recommended to infuse the meat with flavour. You can use a marinade of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and garlic. However, be careful not to over-marinate the duck as it can become too salty.

Can you suggest a good five-spice blend for Chinese roast duck?

A good five-spice blend for Chinese roast duck includes cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, Szechuan peppercorns, and cloves. However, you can also experiment with other ingredients such as ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom to create your own unique blend.

What's the best way to serve Chinese roast duck to really impress my guests?

To impress your guests, serve the Chinese roast duck with traditional accompaniments such as steamed pancakes, hoisin sauce, sliced cucumbers, and scallions. You can also add some seafood such as prawns or scallops to the dish to give it an extra dimension of flavour.

Is there a simple method for making Peking duck at home without professional equipment?

There is a simple method for making Peking duck at home without professional equipment. The key is to dry the duck thoroughly and hang it to dry for a few hours before roasting. You can also use a hairdryer to dry the skin. Serve the Peking duck with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.

What are some traditional side dishes to serve with Cantonese roast duck?

Some traditional side dishes to serve with Cantonese roast duck include stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or snow peas. You can also serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Adding some seafood such as prawns or squid to the side dish can also elevate its flavour.