Peking duck is a famous Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Cooks roast a whole duck until the skin turns golden and crispy. They then slice the duck and usually serve it with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and fresh scallions.
Peking Duck, also known as Beijing Duck (北京烤鸭), is one of China’s most famous and iconic dishes.
You roll the sliced duck in the pancake, add the sauce and scallions, and then eat it like a small wrap. It’s delicious and has been a favorite in Chinese dining for centuries!. Below, is a description of the dish’s ingredients and its traditional preparation.
Ingredients and preparation in Peking Duck
Ingredients
- Whole duck (usually a specific breed known as Pekin or White Pekin)
- Air or water
- Seasonings (typically maltose syrup, vinegar, and various spices)
- Thin pancakes (Mandarin pancakes)
- Hoisin sauce
- Cucumbers
- Green onions
Preparation
- Selection of Duck The process begins with selecting a duck, preferably a Pekin duck, known for its tender meat and thin skin. The duck is typically raised in a specific way to produce a high-fat content, which contributes to the crispy skin.
- Air Drying The duck is cleaned, air-dried, and sometimes even left to hang for several hours to ensure that the skin becomes dry and the meat remains tender.
- Seasoning and Flavoring The duck is often seasoned inside and out with a mixture of maltose syrup, vinegar, and various spices, which can include ginger, star anise, and cinnamon. This seasoning is what gives Peking Duck its distinctive flavor.
- Hanging and Drying The seasoned duck is hung in a cool, airy place, or sometimes, it’s placed in front of a fan to further dry the skin. This helps achieve the desired crispy texture when roasted.
- Roasting The duck is roasted in a special oven, typically a closed or hung oven, heated by fruitwood or hardwood like applewood or cherry wood. The temperature is carefully controlled to ensure even cooking. The duck is hung vertically so that the fat drips down, and the skin crisps up.
- Glazing While the duck is roasting, it’s often brushed with a glaze made from a mixture of maltose syrup and water, adding a sweet and shiny finish to the skin.
- Presentation Peking Duck is traditionally served whole. It is brought to the table and presented to the diners before carving. The chef will skillfully carve the duck into thin slices, ensuring that each slice includes both crispy skin and tender meat.
To prepare Peking Duck to perfection, you’ll need a few essential cookware items
Cookware needed
Duck Roasting Oven This specialized oven is designed to roast the duck evenly, ensuring that the skin becomes irresistibly crispy while the meat remains juicy and tender. It often features a rotating spit to achieve uniform browning.
Air Compressor (optional) Before roasting, the duck’s skin is inflated with air to separate it from the fat, ensuring that the skin becomes incredibly crispy during roasting. An air compressor is used for this purpose.
Roasting Hooks These sturdy hooks are used to hang the duck in the oven, allowing it to roast evenly on all sides.
Basting Brush A basting brush is used to apply a secret glaze—often a mixture of maltose syrup and water—onto the duck’s skin during roasting, creating that irresistible shine and sweetness.
Serving Platter The Peking Duck is often presented whole to the table before being expertly carved. A beautiful serving platter enhances the visual appeal of this iconic dish.
Carving Knife and Cleaver Precision is key when carving the Peking Duck. A sharp carving knife and cleaver are used to slice the duck into thin, mouthwatering pieces that will be artfully wrapped in delicate pancakes.
Pancakes These soft, thin pancakes are the canvas on which your masterpiece is painted. They cradle the succulent duck slices, along with fresh scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce.
Accoutrements Peking Duck is often served with accompaniments like thinly sliced scallions, cucumber spears, and hoisin sauce. These elements add layers of flavor and freshness to each bite.
The rich, savory aroma, the golden glow of the skin, and the exquisite flavors that dance on your palate—all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to savor the magic of Peking Duck—it’s a culinary masterpiece that transcends time and tradition.
Serving
Peking Duck is typically served with thin, steamed pancakes. To enjoy the dish, diners take a pancake, spread a little hoisin sauce on it, add a slice of duck, and top it with julienne cucumbers and green onions. The pancake is then folded and eaten by hand. The combination of flavors and textures, from the crispy skin to the savory meat and the fresh vegetables, creates a delightful and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
Peking Duck is not only about the delicious taste but also the art of carving and presentation, making it a special and memorable culinary experience. It’s often enjoyed on celebratory occasions and is considered a culinary treasure of Chinese cuisine.
For more Chinese dishes please see below
0 Comments