Step-by-Step: Making Chinese Crispy Duck Recipe in Your Own Kitchen

Crispy duck is a traditional dish that is a favourite in Beijing and is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. If you're looking to try your hand at making this delicious dish at home, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll be sharing a Chinese crispy duck recipe that's easy to follow and produces restaurant-quality results.

To make Chinese crispy duck, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including duck legs, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cassia bark or cinnamon sticks, ginger, and spring onions. The preparation techniques involve marinating the duck legs and then roasting them until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The cooking process is relatively straightforward, but it does require some patience and attention to detail.

Once your Chinese crispy duck is ready, there are a variety of serving suggestions you can try. Some popular options include serving it with pancakes, cucumber, and spring onion, or adding it to a stir-fry. And if you're looking to add some seafood to the recipe, consider adding some prawns or scallops to the stir-fry for an extra burst of flavour.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese crispy duck is a traditional dish from Beijing known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
• Essential ingredients for the recipe include duck legs, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cassia bark or cinnamon sticks, ginger, and spring onions.
• To serve, try pairing the crispy duck with pancakes, cucumber, and spring onion, or adding it to a stir-fry with seafood like prawns or scallops.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese crispy duck, there are several essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. In this section, we'll take a closer look at these key ingredients and discuss their role in the recipe.

Choosing the Right Duck

The first and most important ingredient in this recipe is, of course, the duck itself. For best results, you will want to choose a fresh, high-quality duck that is free-range and has been raised on a natural diet. If you can find a duck that has been air-dried, even better. This will help to ensure that your crispy duck has a deliciously crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

Key Flavours and Spices

In addition to the duck, there are several key flavours and spices that you'll need to use to give your crispy duck its signature taste. These include:

• Salt: Used to season the duck and bring out its natural flavours.
• Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish and helps to balance out the other flavours.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the duck.
• Garlic: Adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Five spice: A blend of five different spices (usually star anise, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and Sichuan pepper) that gives the dish its distinctive flavour.
• Star anise: A key ingredient in five spice, this spice has a sweet, licorice-like flavour that pairs well with the duck.
• Sichuan peppercorns: Another key ingredient in five spice, these peppercorns have a unique, numbing effect on the tongue.
• Spring onions: Used to add a fresh, crisp flavour to the dish.
• Cucumber: A refreshing addition that helps to balance out the richness of the duck.
• Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savoury sauce that pairs well with the duck and adds a rich, caramelised flavour.
• Plum sauce: A tangy, sweet sauce that provides a fruity contrast to the savoury duck.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavour to the dish.
• Honey: Used to add sweetness and help to caramelise the skin of the duck.
• Sugar: Another sweetener that helps to balance out the other flavours.
• Vinegar: Adds a tangy, acidic flavour that helps to cut through the richness of the duck.
• Shaoxing wine: A type of Chinese rice wine that adds a subtle, complex flavour to the dish.
• Sesame oil: Used to add a nutty, aromatic flavour to the dish.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding some seafood to your crispy duck recipe. Prawns or scallops would both work well and add a deliciously sweet, briny flavour to the dish. Just be sure to cook them separately and add them to the dish at the end, so that they don't overcook and become tough.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Duck

Before you start preparing the duck, you need to make sure that it is properly seasoned. To do this, you can use a sharp knife to prick the skin of the legs all over. Then, mix together the salt, 5-spice, and crushed peppercorns. Rub the dry mix all over the duck legs and let it sit for at least a couple of hours, or overnight. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

Preparing the Pancakes

To make Chinese pancakes, you will need special equipment called a bamboo steamer. If you don't have one, you can use a regular steamer or a wok with a steamer basket. Once you have your steamer ready, you can start preparing the pancakes by mixing together flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and then let it rest for 20-30 minutes. After that, roll the dough into small balls and then flatten them into thin discs. Cook the pancakes in the steamer for 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through.

Cutting the Vegetables

To add some crunch and freshness to your crispy duck, you can prepare some julienned vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and spring onions. Cut them into thin strips using a sharp knife and then serve them alongside the duck.

If you want to add some seafood to your crispy duck recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops. Simply season them with salt and pepper and then pan-fry them until they are cooked through. Serve them alongside the duck and vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Process

Roasting the Duck

To begin with, preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top of it. Now, put the marinated duck on the wire rack and roast it for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 and roast the duck for another 30 minutes.

Achieving Crispy Skin

To achieve the crispy skin texture, turn the oven temperature up to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7 again. Roast the duck for an additional 10-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Steaming the Pancakes

While the duck is roasting, prepare the pancakes. You can use a bamboo steamer to steam the pancakes. Simply put the pancakes in the steamer and steam them for 2-3 minutes.

To serve, shred the duck meat and place it on the pancakes. Add some sliced cucumber and spring onions, and drizzle with some dark soy sauce and cooking wine. You can also add some seafood to the dish for an extra flavour. Prawns or scallops are a great addition to the recipe.

This Chinese crispy duck recipe is a great way to impress your guests with a delicious and authentic Chinese dish.

Serving Suggestions

Plating the Dish

When serving Chinese crispy duck, presentation is key. A popular way to serve the dish is to arrange the pancakes in a stack on a plate, with the crispy duck and accompaniments served in separate bowls. Alternatively, you can place the pancakes on a large platter and arrange the duck and accompaniments on top for a more communal dining experience.

Accompaniments and Dips

Sweet bean sauce and black bean sauce are traditional accompaniments for Chinese crispy duck. These sauces can be used as a dip for the duck and pancakes, or spread on the pancakes before adding the duck. Hoisin sauce is another popular dipping sauce that pairs well with crispy duck.

If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving the duck with a side of steamed rice or egg fried rice. Another great option is to serve the duck with steamed buns, which can be used to make mini sandwiches with the duck and accompaniments.

For seafood lovers, adding shrimp or scallops to the dish can provide a delicious twist. Simply cook the seafood separately and serve alongside the duck as an additional accompaniment.

Pairing with Sides

When it comes to pairing sides with Chinese crispy duck, there are many options to choose from. Stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli are a great choice for adding some greens to the meal.

If you're looking for something heartier, consider serving the duck with noodles or fried rice. For a lighter option, try serving a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

The key to serving Chinese crispy duck is to keep the accompaniments simple and let the duck be the star of the show. By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese meal that is sure to impress.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a delicious and crispy duck recipe, then Chinese crispy duck is a great choice. This dish is full of flavour and is a great option for any occasion. Here is some nutritional information to help you make an informed decision about this dish.

One of the key nutritional benefits of Chinese crispy duck is that it is a good source of protein. Duck is a great source of protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle mass. In addition, duck is a good source of iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells.

However, it is important to note that Chinese crispy duck is also high in calories and fat. One serving of this dish can contain up to 600 calories, which is quite high. Additionally, duck fat is high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease if consumed in large amounts.

To make this dish a bit healthier, you can try using seafood as a substitute for some of the duck. For example, you could use prawns or scallops instead of some of the duck meat. Seafood is a great source of protein and is lower in calories and fat than duck.

Overall, Chinese crispy duck is a delicious and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed on special occasions. However, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. By making some simple substitutions, such as using seafood instead of some of the duck, you can make this dish a bit healthier while still enjoying its great taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I achieve perfectly crispy skin when cooking duck?

To achieve perfectly crispy skin when cooking duck, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to dry the skin thoroughly before cooking. This can be done by patting it dry with paper towels or leaving it uncovered in the fridge overnight. Second, score the skin in a criss-cross pattern to help render the fat and create a crispy texture. Finally, cook the duck over high heat to help crisp up the skin.

What's the best way to cook a crispy duck in the oven?

The best way to cook a crispy duck in the oven is to roast it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away from the duck, which helps it crisp up. Start by preheating the oven to 220°C. Pat the duck dry and season it with salt and pepper. Roast the duck for 20 minutes per 500g, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Could you share an easy recipe for crispy Chinese duck?

Certainly! Here's a simple recipe for crispy Chinese duck:

Ingredients:

• 2 duck breasts
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Score the skin of the duck breasts in a criss-cross pattern.
3. Mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and Chinese five-spice powder in a small bowl.
4. Rub the mixture over the duck breasts, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
6. Place the duck breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
8. Let the duck breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

What are the differences between Peking duck and crispy duck?

Peking duck and crispy duck are both popular Chinese dishes, but they have some differences. Peking duck is traditionally prepared by marinating the duck, pumping air under the skin, and hanging it to dry for several hours before roasting it in a wood-fired oven. This results in a crispy skin and tender meat. Crispy duck, on the other hand, is typically marinated and then deep-fried to create a crispy texture.

What's the traditional method for preparing Peking duck?

The traditional method for preparing Peking duck involves several steps. First, the duck is marinated with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Next, air is pumped under the skin to separate it from the fat. The duck is then hung to dry for several hours. Finally, the duck is roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

How does Jamie Oliver recommend making crispy duck?

Jamie Oliver recommends making crispy duck by marinating it in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. He then roasts the duck in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.