How do I prepare peking duck at home like a chef?

Discover the culinary wizard within you and prepare Peking Duck like a seasoned chef. Our recipe will make you feel like a gourmet master at home!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I prepare Peking Duck at home like a chef. Items include: whole duck hoisin sauce soy sauce honey rice vinegar Chinese five-spice powder salt baking powder boiling water roasting pan with a rack basting brush meat thermometer

whole duck 1 (around 4-5 pounds)
hoisin sauce 3 tablespoons
soy sauce 2 tablespoons
honey 1 tablespoon
rice vinegar 1 tablespoon
Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon
salt 1 teaspoon
baking powder 1 teaspoon
boiling water 4 cups
roasting pan with a rack 1
basting brush 1
meat thermometer 1

Take note
Keep in mind that roasting a whole duck can be a bit time-consuming, so make sure you set aside enough time for marinating and cooking. Also, be cautious when handling hot oil and sharp knives. Safety first, folks!

1

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To kickstart your journey to Peking Duck perfection, gather the following items: 1 whole duck (around 4-5 pounds), 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 4 cups of boiling water, a roasting pan with a rack, a brush for basting, and a meat thermometer.

2

Prep the Duck

It's time to prepare our feathered friend for its savory transformation. Start by rinsing the duck under cold water, both inside and out. Next, pat it dry with paper towels. Use a paring knife to gently prick the skin all over, especially the fatty areas. Be careful not to pierce the meat beneath! This will help the fat render during cooking and give you that crispy skin we all love.

3

Marinate the Duck

Let's infuse our duck with a burst of flavor! Mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt in a bowl. Rub this delectable marinade all over the duck, inside and out. Place the marinated duck in a large plastic bag, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to permeate the meat.

4

Preheat and Roast

Now comes the exciting part - roasting the duck to crispy perfection! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is getting toasty, remove the duck from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the duck on a roasting rack in a pan, breast-side up. Sprinkle baking powder evenly over the skin. This genius trick will give you that irresistible crispiness. Pour the boiling water into the pan, which will help render the fat during cooking.

5

Cook and Baste

Pop the duck into the preheated oven and let it cook for about 2 hours, or until the skin turns beautifully golden and crispy. Don't forget to baste the duck with its own juices every 30 minutes. This will add an extra layer of deliciousness and keep the meat moist. To ensure perfect doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), your duck is ready to go!

6

Rest and Carve

Pat yourself on the back, my culinary friend! The hard work is done, and it's time to reap the rewards. Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy meat. Now, grab your sharpest carving knife and slice the duck into thin, mouthwatering pieces. Serve it up with steamed pancakes, sliced cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin sauce, and let the feasting begin!