Authentic Peking Duck Recipe: How to Make Crispy Chinese Roast Duck at Home

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) is one of the most iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its irresistibly crispy skin, tender meat, and exquisite flavor. Originating in Beijing, this centuries-old delicacy was once a dish reserved for royalty but has since become a beloved staple in Chinese restaurants worldwide. Traditionally, Peking Duck is prepared using a meticulous process that involves air-drying, glazing, and roasting over an open flame, yielding its signature crispy skin and succulent texture.

This dish is often served with Mandarin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and thinly sliced cucumbers and scallions, making it a flavorful, interactive dining experience. While preparing authentic Peking Duck at home requires patience and technique, following this step-by-step guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Read on to learn how to make Peking Duck, master the art of Chinese roast duck, and enjoy this world-famous delicacy at home.

Ingredients

For the Duck:

• 1 whole duck (about 5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon maltose syrup (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cups boiling water

For the Glaze & Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Serving:

• Mandarin pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
• Hoisin sauce
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced scallions

Ingredient Substitutes:

• If maltose syrup is unavailable, substitute with honey or maple syrup.
• Use white vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
• Store-bought Peking duck wrappers can replace homemade Mandarin pancakes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Duck

1. Clean the Duck: Remove excess fat and rinse the duck under cold water. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Marinate: Rub the inside of the duck with salt and Chinese five-spice powder to enhance the flavor.
3. Scald the Skin: Pour boiling water over the duck’s skin to tighten it, which helps create a crispier texture when roasted.

Step 2: Air-Drying the Duck

1. Glazing: Mix maltose syrup with rice vinegar and brush the mixture evenly over the duck’s skin.
2. Drying Process: Hang the duck in a cool, well-ventilated area for 24 hours, or place it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This step is crucial for crispy skin as it removes excess moisture.

Step 3: Roasting the Duck

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roasting Setup: Place the duck on a rack over a roasting pan to allow even cooking and fat drainage.
3. Basting: Every 20 minutes, brush the duck with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to develop a rich, caramelized coating.
4. Final Crisping: Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Step 4: Carving & Serving

1. Let the Duck Rest: Allow the duck to rest for 10 minutes before carving to retain its juices.
2. Carving Technique: Use a sharp knife to slice off thin pieces of crispy skin first, followed by the tender meat.
3. Serving: Serve the duck slices with Mandarin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumbers, and scallions. Assemble by spreading hoisin sauce on a pancake, adding duck, cucumbers, and scallions, then rolling it up.

Tips for the Perfect Peking Duck

Achieving Crispy Skin:

• Ensure the duck is thoroughly dried before roasting.
• Basting with a honey-soy glaze enhances caramelization and crispiness.
• Roasting at a high temperature in the final stage helps crisp the skin.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Rotisserie Method: Use a rotisserie oven to replicate the traditional hanging roast technique.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Storage & Leftover Ideas:

• Store leftover duck in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Use leftovers in stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle soups for added flavor.

Conclusion

Peking Duck is a true masterpiece of Chinese cuisine, known for its rich history, meticulous preparation, and mouthwatering taste. While it takes time and effort to achieve the perfect crispy duck skin and succulent meat, the results are well worth it. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite at home or exploring Chinese culinary traditions, this homemade Peking Duck recipe is sure to impress.

Have you tried making Peking Duck at home? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!