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Chinese Dinner Featured

Authentic Peking Duck

A sophisticated, time-honored recipe requiring patience to achieve the perfectly crispy skin and tender meat characteristic of Peking Duck.

Level Hard Prep 1440 min Cook 90 min Servings 4 Score 5.0/10
Ready in
1530 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 1440m
Cook 90m
Level Hard

About this recipe

A sophisticated, time-honored recipe requiring patience to achieve the perfectly crispy skin and tender meat characteristic of Peking Duck.

The gold standard of Chinese roast poultry.

Ingredients

Duck

Glaze

Serving

Equipment

  • Roasting rack For air circulation
  • Basting brush
  • Large tray To catch fat drippings

Instructions

  1. Clean the duck, remove neck and wing tips, and pat dry completely.

  2. Blanch the duck skin with boiling water to tighten it, then dry thoroughly.

  3. Brush the glaze over the skin and refrigerate uncovered for 24 hours to air-dry.

  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast duck breast-side up for 60-90 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.

  5. Rest the duck for 15 minutes before carving the skin and meat into thin slices.

  6. Serve with warm pancakes, hoisin, and scallions.

Nutrition

Calories 780
Protein 35g
Carbs 12g
Fat 65g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 8g
Sodium 850mg
Serving Size 1 portion

Cooking Timeline

Prep 1440 min
Cook 90 min
Total 1530 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.7 /10
Expert 5.0 95% conf.
  • Taste 10.0
  • Presentation 10.0
  • Nutrition 6.0
  • Value 8.0
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 8.0
  • Time Accuracy 10.0
  • Difficulty 10.0
  • Would Make Again 7.0

Expert Review

Verdict

A labor of love that results in unparalleled crispy, flavorful skin.

Pros

  • Authentic experience
  • Iconic texture
  • Impressive presentation

Cons

  • Requires advanced planning
  • Long prep time

Overview

The gold standard of Chinese roast poultry.

AI Insights

Summary

A sophisticated, time-honored recipe requiring patience to achieve the perfectly crispy skin and tender meat characteristic of Peking Duck.

Tips

  • Ensure the duck is thoroughly dried before glazing
  • Do not skip the air-drying stage in the fridge
  • Serve skin and meat together for the best texture

Substitutions

  • Maltose → Honey (for a similar sticky finish)
  • Duck → Whole chicken (if duck is unavailable)

Storage

Store leftover meat and skin in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat skin in an oven to regain crispness.

Pairing

  • Jasmine tea
  • Steamed bok choy with garlic

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Can I skip the 24-hour drying?
The air-drying step is crucial for achieving the signature crispy Peking duck skin.
What is maltose?
Maltose is a traditional sweetener used in Peking duck to give the skin its iconic dark, glossy finish.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Chinese cuisine

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