Five Spice Chinese Roast Duck Recipe

If you're looking to impress your dinner guests with a delicious and flavourful meal, look no further than the Chinese roast duck recipe with five spice. This dish is a classic Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. The five spice powder, which is a mixture of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, is the key ingredient that gives the duck its unique and delicious flavour.

Making this dish at home is easier than you might think. You will need to have some essential ingredients, including a whole duck, five spice powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by substituting some of the ingredients. For example, you could add seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the stuffing for an extra burst of flavour.

Roasting the duck is a crucial step in the process, and you will need to follow some specific preparation techniques to ensure that the meat is cooked to perfection. Once the duck is ready, you can serve it with a variety of accompaniments and side dishes, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a tangy plum sauce. With this recipe, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese roast duck with five spice is a classic dish that is both delicious and flavourful.
• Essential ingredients for this recipe include a whole duck, five spice powder, salt, and pepper.
• You can add your own twist to the recipe by substituting some of the ingredients and serving it with a variety of accompaniments and side dishes.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making Chinese roast duck with five spice, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to get the authentic taste. However, there are also some substitutions that you can make if you don't have all the ingredients on hand.

Choosing the Right Duck

The key to a delicious roast duck is choosing the right type of duck. You want to look for a Long Island duck or a Pekin duck, which are both meaty and have a good amount of fat. The fat is important because it helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking. If you can't find either of these types of ducks, you can also use a Muscovy duck or a mallard.

Five Spice Powder and Alternatives

Five spice powder is an essential ingredient in Chinese roast duck. It is made up of a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. However, if you don't have five spice powder, you can make a substitute by mixing together equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, and fennel. You can also add in some Sichuan peppercorns if you have them.

Additional Aromatics and Seasonings

In addition to five spice powder, there are a few other aromatics and seasonings that you will need to get the authentic taste of Chinese roast duck. These include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sugar. You can also add in some star anise, cinnamon, and fennel to enhance the flavour.

If you want to add seafood to your roast duck recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté the seafood in a separate pan and add it to the duck during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your dish.

Remember, the key to a delicious Chinese roast duck with five spice is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to follow the recipe closely. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Duck

Marinating the duck is an important step in the preparation of Chinese roast duck. The marinade helps to infuse the meat with flavour and also helps to tenderize it. A typical marinade for Chinese roast duck includes five spice powder, salt, and other aromatic ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and green onions.

To marinate the duck, first, pat it dry with paper towels. Then, rub the entire duck with a mixture of five spice powder and salt, making sure to rub the seasoning in the cavity of the duck as well. Let it marinate in the fridge overnight to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the meat.

If you want to add some seafood to the marinade, you can try adding some dried shrimp or dried scallops. These ingredients will add a subtle seafood flavour to the duck.

Trussing and Pinning

Trussing and pinning the duck is another important step in the preparation of Chinese roast duck. Trussing helps to keep the duck's shape intact while it cooks, while pinning helps to ensure that the skin crisps up evenly.

To truss the duck, tie its legs together with kitchen twine and tuck its wings under its body. Then, use bamboo skewers or toothpicks to pin the skin to the meat, making sure to prick only the skin and not the meat. This will help to render the fat and create a crispy skin.

If you want to add some seafood to the trussing, you can try using some dried shrimp or dried scallops as a stuffing. This will add some extra flavour to the meat and also help to keep it moist.

Overall, marinating and trussing the duck are essential steps in creating a delicious Chinese roast duck with five spice. By following these techniques, you can ensure that your duck is flavourful, moist, and has a perfectly crispy skin.

Roasting Process Explained

Oven Setup

Before starting the roasting process, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F. Make sure the oven rack is set to the middle position. You will need a roasting pan that is large enough to hold the duck and has a rack to elevate the duck from the bottom of the pan.

Roasting and Basting

To achieve a crispy skin and juicy meat, you will need to roast the duck for about 2-2.5 hours, depending on the size of the duck. Place the duck in the roasting pan, breast-side up, and cover it with aluminum foil. This will prevent the skin from burning and keep the meat moist.

After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and baste the duck with the accumulated juices. You can also baste the duck with a mixture of water, vinegar, and honey to add more flavour and moisture. Repeat the basting process every 20-30 minutes until the duck is fully cooked.

To check if the duck is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F. Once the duck is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Seafood can be a great addition to the recipe. You can try adding shrimp or scallops to the marinade or stuffing the duck with a seafood stuffing. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Roasting a Chinese five spice duck can be a delicious and impressive dish to serve to your friends and family. With the right oven setup and basting technique, you can achieve a crispy skin and juicy meat that will leave everyone wanting more.

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

When it comes to serving Chinese roast duck with five spice, there are a variety of accompaniments and side dishes that can complement the dish. Here are some suggestions:

Sauce Variations

There are many sauce variations that can be served with Chinese roast duck. Hoisin sauce is a popular choice and can be used as a dipping sauce for the crispy skin. Bean sauce is another option and can be mixed with soy sauce and sugar to create a sweet and savoury sauce. You can also serve the duck with a simple soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce.

Vegetable Pairings

To balance out the richness of the duck, it's a good idea to serve it with some vegetables. Steamed or stir-fried bok choy is a popular choice, as are cucumbers and scallions. You can also serve the duck with some pickled vegetables, such as pickled radish or pickled mustard greens.

Rice and Noodle Complements

Rice is a staple accompaniment to Chinese roast duck. You can serve it plain or with some added flavour, such as garlic or ginger. Noodles are another option and can be served either in a soup or stir-fried with some vegetables. If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can serve it with some shrimp or scallop fried rice.

Overall, there are many ways to serve Chinese roast duck with five spice. Experiment with different sauces, vegetables, and rice or noodle dishes to find your favourite combination.

Nutritional Information

If you're curious about the nutritional information of Chinese roast duck recipe with five spice, we've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of the key nutrients and calories you can expect to find in a serving of this delicious dish.

• Calories: A serving of Chinese roast duck with five spice is typically around 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the serving and the specific recipe used.
• Protein: Duck is a great source of protein, with a serving of roast duck containing around 20-25 grams of protein.
• Saturated Fat: Duck is a fatty meat, so it's important to be mindful of your saturated fat intake when enjoying this dish. A serving of Chinese roast duck with five spice can contain around 10-15 grams of saturated fat.
• Cholesterol: Like other types of meat, duck is high in cholesterol. A serving of Chinese roast duck with five spice can contain around 100-150 milligrams of cholesterol.
• Sodium: Soy sauce and other seasonings used in Chinese roast duck with five spice can contribute to its sodium content. A serving can contain around 500-600 milligrams of sodium.
• Potassium: Duck is also a good source of potassium, with a serving of roast duck containing around 300-400 milligrams of potassium.
• Fibre: Chinese roast duck with five spice does not contain any fibre.
• Vitamin A: Duck is a good source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy eyesight. A serving of roast duck can contain around 10-15% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A.
• Vitamin C: Chinese roast duck with five spice does not contain any vitamin C.
• Calcium: Chinese roast duck with five spice does not contain any calcium.
• Iron: Duck is a good source of iron, with a serving of roast duck containing around 10-15% of your daily recommended intake of iron.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese roast duck recipe with five spice, consider adding some prawns or scallops to the dish. These seafood options will complement the rich flavour of the duck while also adding some extra protein and nutrients.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Carving the Duck

After roasting the Chinese Five Spice duck to a tender and golden brown, it's time to carve it. The key to a perfectly carved duck is to use a sharp knife and to slice it thinly. Start by removing the legs and wings, and then slice the breast meat off the bone.

To make it easier to carve, you can remove the bones from the legs and wings before serving. This will make the meat more accessible and easier to eat. You can also shred the meat and serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

Plating Aesthetics

When it comes to plating, there are many ways to make your Chinese Five Spice roast duck look as good as it tastes. One popular way is to arrange the sliced duck meat on a bed of scallions or spring onions. This adds a pop of colour and a savoury flavour to the dish.

Another way to present the duck is to serve it in a traditional Chinese style. This involves serving the duck whole and allowing your guests to carve it themselves at the table. This can be a fun and interactive way to serve the dish.

To add even more flavour to the dish, you can propose the use of seafood as a suggestion. Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish to make it even more fragrant and savoury. Simply add the seafood to the roasting pan during the last few minutes of cooking to allow it to cook through.

Overall, serving and presenting your Chinese Five Spice roast duck is all about creativity and personal preference. Experiment with different plating techniques and flavour combinations to find the perfect dish for your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The secret to getting that crispy skin on a Chinese roast duck is to dry the duck thoroughly before roasting it. You can do this by patting it dry with a paper towel and then leaving it in the fridge, uncovered, for a few hours or overnight. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the skin, which is what makes it crispy. You can also try pouring boiling water over the skin before roasting it, as this will help to tighten the skin and make it crispier.

How can I adapt a five-spice roast duck recipe for a slow cooker?

To adapt a five-spice roast duck recipe for a slow cooker, you can first brown the duck in a pan before transferring it to the slow cooker. Then, add your seasoning and other ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the duck is tender. You can also try adding some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the slow cooker for added flavour.

Could you suggest an easy method for a five-spice Chinese roast duck?

An easy method for a five-spice Chinese roast duck is to rub the duck with a mixture of five-spice powder, salt, and sugar, and then roast it in the oven for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the duck. You can also try adding some honey or soy sauce to the seasoning for added sweetness and umami flavour. Serve with some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

What are the essential spices I need for an authentic five-spice duck seasoning?

The essential spices you need for an authentic five-spice duck seasoning are star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. You can buy pre-made five-spice powder from most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own by grinding the spices together in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

How does Jamie Oliver recommend preparing five-spice duck?

Jamie Oliver recommends preparing five-spice duck by marinating the duck in a mixture of five-spice powder, honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Then, roast the duck in the oven for 1-2 hours, basting it with the marinade every 20 minutes or so. Serve with some steamed bok choy and noodles for a delicious meal.

What's the best way to incorporate five-spice into a Cantonese-style roast duck?

The best way to incorporate five-spice into a Cantonese-style roast duck is to rub the duck with a mixture of five-spice powder, salt, and sugar, and then roast it in the oven for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the duck. You can also try adding some hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to the seasoning for added sweetness and umami flavour. Serve with some steamed rice and seafood, such as prawns or scallops, for a complete meal.