Discover Fusion Flavours: Chinese Duck Recipes with Plum Sauce

If you're looking for a new and exciting way to prepare duck, consider trying out a Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce. This dish is a popular one in Chinese cuisine and can be found at many Chinese restaurants, but it's also one that you can easily make at home. The combination of tender duck meat and sweet and tangy plum sauce is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.

When it comes to preparing Chinese duck with plum sauce, it's important to select the right ingredients. You'll need a whole duck, plums, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a few other key ingredients. Preparation techniques may vary depending on the recipe you choose, but generally, you'll need to marinate the duck, roast it in the oven, and then serve it with a delicious plum sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some seafood to your Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce. For example, you could add some prawns or scallops to the sauce to give it an extra flavour boost. Just be sure to choose seafood that pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish. With a little experimentation, you're sure to come up with a delicious and unique Chinese duck recipe that you and your family will love.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese duck with plum sauce is a popular and delicious dish that can be made at home.
• To make this dish, you'll need to select the right ingredients, marinate the duck, and roast it in the oven.
• Adding seafood to your Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce can be a great way to add extra flavour and variety to the dish.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese duck with plum sauce, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some things you need to keep in mind while selecting the ingredients:

Choosing the Best Duck

For the best results, choose a fresh, high-quality duck. You can use either a whole duck or just the duck breasts. If you're using a whole duck, make sure it's cleaned and trimmed properly. You can also use seafood like prawns or shrimp to add an extra layer of flavour to your dish.

Fresh Plums vs Plum Sauce

Fresh plums are a great option if you want to make your own plum sauce. However, if you're short on time or can't find fresh plums, you can always use store-bought plum sauce. Just make sure it's of good quality and doesn't contain any artificial flavours or preservatives.

Essential Spices and Condiments

To give your duck a delicious flavour, you'll need to use a combination of spices and condiments. Some of the essential spices and condiments you'll need include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, star anise, cinnamon stick, Chinese five spice, sea salt, and sugar. You can also use seafood like scallops or lobster to add an extra layer of flavour to your dish.

By selecting the right ingredients, you can ensure that your Chinese duck with plum sauce turns out delicious and flavourful.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating for Flavour

To achieve maximum flavour in your Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce, marinating is essential. You should marinate the duck for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. The marinade should include a mixture of spices, soy sauce, and other flavourings. You can also add seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the marinade to enhance the flavour further.

When marinating, ensure that the duck is fully coated in the marinade, and use a sealable bag or container to prevent any leaks. It is also essential to turn the duck occasionally to ensure that all parts are evenly coated. After marinating, remove the duck from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Achieving Crispy Skin

Crispy skin is a hallmark of a well-prepared Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce. To achieve this, ensure that the duck's skin is dry before cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel and sprinkle salt and pepper over the skin to enhance the flavour. You can also use a fork to prick the skin to allow fat to escape, resulting in a crispier skin.

When cooking the duck, start with a high heat to sear the skin and then reduce the heat to allow the meat to cook through. You can also baste the duck with the plum sauce to add flavour and moisture. Finally, after cooking, allow the duck to rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to distribute evenly.

By following these preparation techniques, you can create a delicious Chinese duck recipe with plum sauce that is sure to impress your guests.

Cooking Methodology

Roasting the Duck

Roasting is the best way to cook a duck, as it allows the fat to render out, leaving the skin crispy and the meat juicy. To roast the duck, preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting tin, breast side up. Roast the duck for 18 minutes per pound (40 minutes per kilo) until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Baste the duck with its fat every 20 minutes to ensure it stays moist.

To get that extra crispy skin, brush the duck with a mixture of rice vinegar and honey before roasting. This will also give the duck a slightly sweet and sour taste.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can stuff the duck with prawns or scallops before roasting. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the duck.

Creating the Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine and pairs perfectly with roasted duck. To make the plum sauce, start by simmering fresh plums, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and orange peel in a saucepan with a pinch of dried chilli flakes. Once the plums are soft, remove the cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and orange peel, and puree the remaining mixture in a blender.

Return the puree to the saucepan and add in some brown sugar, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and becomes syrupy.

To make a glaze for the duck, mix some of the plum sauce with hoisin sauce and brush it over the duck during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting. This will give the duck a beautiful glaze and a sweet and savoury flavour.

If you want to add seafood to the sauce, you can add some shrimp or crab meat to the plum sauce while it's simmering. This will give the sauce a seafood flavour and make it more interesting.

Roasting a duck with plum sauce is a delicious and impressive dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party. With the right cooking methodology and a little bit of creativity, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests.

Serving and Presentation

Plating Your Dish

When it comes to serving Chinese roasted duck with plum sauce, presentation is key. You want to create a visually appealing dish that will whet your appetite and impress your guests. Here are some tips to help you plate your dish:

• Place the duck on a large platter, breast side up.
• Cut the duck into pieces, separating the legs, wings, and breast.
• Arrange the pieces around the platter, with the breast pieces in the centre and the legs and wings fanned out around the edges.
• Spoon the plum sauce over the duck, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
• Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Pairings and Accompaniments

Chinese roasted duck with plum sauce is a hearty and flavourful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Noodles: Serve the duck with a side of noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein. The noodles will help to soak up the delicious plum sauce and complement the rich flavour of the duck.

• Rice: Steamed rice is another great option for serving with Chinese roasted duck. The mild flavour of the rice will help to balance out the bold flavour of the duck.

• Seafood: If you're looking to add some variety to your meal, consider serving seafood alongside your duck. Shrimp, scallops, and lobster are all great options that will complement the rich flavour of the duck.

• Condiments: Offer a variety of condiments on the side, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and hot mustard. These will allow your guests to customise their dish to their liking.

• Authenticity: If you're looking to create an authentic Chinese meal, consider serving your duck with bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or other traditional Chinese vegetables.

Chinese roasted duck with plum sauce is a delicious and satisfying dinner that is sure to impress your guests. With the right presentation and pairings, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love.

Nutritional Insights

When it comes to Chinese Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce, it's important to know the nutritional information in order to make an informed decision about what you're eating. Here are some nutritional insights to help you:

• Calories: A serving of Chinese Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the recipe and serving size.

• Protein: Duck is a good source of protein, with a 100g serving containing around 20-25g of protein. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking to increase their protein intake.

• Unsaturated Fat: Duck meat contains mostly healthy unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart health. However, the skin of the duck is high in saturated fat, so it's best to eat it in moderation or remove it altogether.

• Nutritional Information: If you're looking for more detailed nutritional information, be sure to check the recipe you're using. Some recipes may include additional ingredients that can affect the nutritional value of the dish.

If you're looking to make your Chinese Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce even more nutritious, you can consider adding seafood to the recipe. For example, you could add prawns or scallops to the plum sauce for an extra boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Alternatively, you could serve the duck with a side of steamed fish or stir-fried prawns for a complete and balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple plum sauce for duck?

Making a simple plum sauce for duck is easy. You will need plums, sugar, vinegar, water, and ginger. First, pit and chop the plums and combine them with the other ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until it thickens. Let it cool and blend the mixture until it's smooth. You can store the sauce in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What are the key ingredients in a Chinese plum sauce?

The key ingredients in a Chinese plum sauce are plums, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise. Some recipes also call for cinnamon, cloves, or orange peel.

Can you recommend an easy duck recipe with plum sauce?

Yes, you can try this easy recipe for Chinese Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce. First, season the duck with salt and pepper and roast it in the oven until it's cooked through. While the duck is roasting, prepare the plum sauce by combining plums, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise in a saucepan. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Serve the roasted duck with the plum sauce and your favourite side dishes.

What's the best way to serve duck with plum sauce?

Duck with plum sauce is traditionally served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy or broccoli. You can also serve it with noodles or a salad.

How does Jamie Oliver prepare duck in plum sauce?

Jamie Oliver's recipe for duck in plum sauce involves marinating the duck in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. He then roasts the duck in the oven until it's cooked through and serves it with a plum and hoisin sauce.

Is there a difference between duck sauce and plum sauce?

Yes, there is a difference between duck sauce and plum sauce. Duck sauce is a sweet and sour condiment made from apricots, sugar, vinegar, and spices. It's often served with Chinese dishes such as egg rolls and fried rice. Plum sauce, on the other hand, is made from plums, sugar, vinegar, and spices such as ginger and star anise. It's often served with duck or other meats.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your plum sauce, you can try using prawns or scallops. Simply sauté them in a pan until they're cooked and then serve them with the plum sauce and your favourite side dishes.