Beijing Roast Duck

Beijing Roast Duck

A world-renowned Chinese classic dish featuring crispy duck skin and tender meat, traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.

#duck#classic#main dish

Ingredients

  • 1 whole duck (about 2-2.5kg)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 stalk green onion (cut into sections)
  • 1 small piece ginger (sliced)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Thin pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
  • Hoisin sauce (store-bought)
  • Cucumber (cut into strips)
  • Green onions (cut into thin strips)

Steps

  1. Clean the duck and scald the skin with hot water to tighten and smooth it.
  2. Mix honey and rice vinegar, then brush the mixture evenly over the duck skin. Hang the duck to air-dry for 4-6 hours (or overnight).
  3. Combine five-spice powder and salt, then rub the mixture inside the duck cavity. Add green onion sections and ginger slices.
  4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Hang the duck on a roasting rack with a pan underneath to catch drippings.
  5. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, brushing with honey water every 30 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
  6. Remove the duck from the oven, let it rest briefly, then slice.
  7. Serve with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber strips, and green onion strips.

Tips

The key to Beijing Roast Duck is achieving crispy skin and tender meat. The air-drying and honey-glazing steps are crucial for creating the perfect crispiness.