Cooking Peking Duck Chinese Style: A Step-by-Step Guide

Peking duck, also known as Beijing roast duck, is a dish that originated in Beijing, China, and has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries. This iconic dish is known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavors, which are achieved through a combination of traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. In this article, we will explore the art of cooking Peking duck Chinese style, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish at home.

Understanding the History and Cultural Significance of Peking Duck

Peking duck has a rich history that dates back to the Imperial era of China. The dish was originally served in the royal courts of Beijing, where it was considered a delicacy and a symbol of wealth and status. The dish was typically served at special occasions, such as weddings and banquets, and was often accompanied by other traditional Chinese dishes, such as pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Over time, Peking duck spread throughout China and eventually around the world, where it became a popular dish in Chinese restaurants. Today, Peking duck is considered one of China’s national dishes, and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

The Key Ingredients and Equipment Needed for Cooking Peking Duck

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the key ingredients and equipment needed for cooking Peking duck. Here are some of the most important ingredients and equipment you’ll need:

• 1 whole duck (preferably a Peking duck or a similar breed)
• 1/4 cup of Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
• Pancakes (preferably homemade or store-bought)
• Scallions, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, thinly sliced

In terms of equipment, you’ll need:

• A large wok or frying pan with a heavy bottom (preferably a carbon steel or cast iron wok)
• A steamer basket
• A meat thermometer
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A pastry brush

Preparing the Duck for Cooking

Before cooking the duck, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Rinse the duck under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
• Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, and discard them.
• Trim any excess fat from the neck and body cavity.
• Use a sharp knife to make a few small incisions in the skin, being careful not to cut too deeply and damage the meat.
• Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar to the skin, making sure to get some of the mixture into the incisions.
• Sprinkle the Chinese five-spice powder evenly over the skin, making sure to get some of the powder into the incisions.
• Let the duck sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the skin to dry and the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

Cooking the Duck

Now that the duck is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here are the steps to follow:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the duck to the wok, breast side down.
• Sear the duck for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the duck from the wok, and place it in the steamer basket.
• Steam the duck for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the duck, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the duck from the steamer, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Carving and Serving the Duck

Once the duck is cooked and rested, it’s time to carve and serve it. Here are the steps to follow:

• Use a sharp knife to carve the duck into thin slices, making sure to get some of the crispy skin with each slice.
• Serve the duck with pancakes, scallions, and cucumber, and let each guest assemble their own pancakes.
• Offer hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil on the side, and let each guest add their own sauces to taste.

Tips and Variations for Cooking Peking Duck

Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking Peking duck:

• Use a Peking duck or a similar breed, as these ducks have a thicker layer of fat under the skin, which makes the skin crispy and delicious.
• Use a combination of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar to marinate the duck, as these ingredients provide a rich and savory flavor.
• Use a steamer basket to steam the duck, as this helps to cook the meat evenly and keep the skin crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the duck, as this ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.
• Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients, such as Szechuan pepper, star anise, and cinnamon, to add unique flavors to the duck.

Conclusion

Cooking Peking duck Chinese style is a complex and nuanced process that requires attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Peking duck dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, to prepare the duck properly, and to cook the duck with care and attention. With practice and patience, you can master the art of cooking Peking duck and enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.

1. Prepare the duck by rinsing it under cold water, patting it dry with paper towels, and removing the giblets and neck.
2. Cook the duck by searing it in a wok or frying pan, then steaming it in a steamer basket until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

What is Peking duck and where did it originate?

Peking duck is a dish that originated in Beijing, China, and has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is a type of roasted duck that is prepared using a specific technique, which involves pumping air under the skin to separate it from the meat, and then roasting it to perfection.

The dish is believed to have originated during the Imperial era, when it was served to royalty and other high-ranking officials. Over time, Peking duck spread throughout China and eventually around the world, becoming a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants. Despite its widespread popularity, Peking duck remains a beloved dish in Beijing, where it is often served in traditional restaurants.

What are the key ingredients needed to make Peking duck?

To make Peking duck, you will need a few key ingredients, including a whole duck, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and pancakes. The duck should be fresh and of high quality, with a good balance of fat and meat. The Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Chinese cooking, and it adds a unique flavor to the duck.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also need some aromatics, such as scallions and ginger, to add flavor to the duck. You will also need some hoisin sauce, which is a sweet and savory sauce that is traditionally served with Peking duck. Finally, you will need some pancakes, which are used to wrap the duck and other ingredients.

How do I prepare the duck for roasting?

To prepare the duck for roasting, you will need to pump air under the skin to separate it from the meat. This is a crucial step in making Peking duck, as it allows the skin to crisp up during roasting. You can use a bicycle pump or a compressor to pump air under the skin, or you can use a simpler method, such as blowing air under the skin with your mouth.

Once you have pumped air under the skin, you will need to hang the duck up to dry. This helps to dry out the skin, which makes it crisper during roasting. You can hang the duck in a cool, well-ventilated area, or you can use a fan to speed up the drying process.

What is the best way to roast the duck?

The best way to roast the duck is to use a combination of high and low heat. You will need to start by roasting the duck at a high temperature, such as 425°F (220°C), to crisp up the skin. Then, you will need to reduce the heat to a lower temperature, such as 375°F (190°C), to cook the meat through.

It’s also important to use a rotisserie or a spit to roast the duck, as this allows the duck to cook evenly and prevents the skin from burning. If you don’t have a rotisserie or a spit, you can use a regular oven, but you will need to turn the duck frequently to prevent burning.

How do I serve Peking duck?

Peking duck is traditionally served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. To serve the duck, you will need to slice it into thin pieces and serve it with the pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. You can also add other ingredients, such as cucumber and pickled carrots, to the pancakes for added flavor and texture.

When serving Peking duck, it’s also important to use the right etiquette. In traditional Chinese culture, it’s customary to serve the duck with the head facing the guest of honor, and to use chopsticks to eat the duck. You can also serve the duck with a side of steamed bok choy or other vegetables for added nutrition.

Can I make Peking duck at home?

Yes, you can make Peking duck at home, but it may require some special equipment and ingredients. To make Peking duck at home, you will need a whole duck, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and pancakes. You will also need a rotisserie or a spit to roast the duck, as well as a bicycle pump or compressor to pump air under the skin.

If you don’t have these ingredients or equipment, you can still make a simplified version of Peking duck at home. For example, you can use a pre-cooked duck or a duck breast, and you can omit the pancakes and hoisin sauce. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the duck may not be the same as traditional Peking duck.

How long does it take to make Peking duck?

Making Peking duck can take several hours, depending on the method you use. If you are using a traditional method, which involves pumping air under the skin and hanging the duck up to dry, it can take up to 24 hours to prepare the duck. However, if you are using a simplified method, such as using a pre-cooked duck or a duck breast, it can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour to prepare the duck.

In addition to the preparation time, you will also need to factor in the cooking time, which can take up to an hour or more, depending on the size of the duck and the temperature of the oven. Overall, making Peking duck can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is well worth the effort.