
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
- Clean the duck and scald the skin with hot water to tighten and smooth it.
- 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).
- Combine five-spice powder and salt, then rub the mixture inside the duck cavity. Add green onion sections and ginger slices.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Hang the duck on a roasting rack with a pan underneath to catch drippings.
- Roast for 1.5-2 hours, brushing with honey water every 30 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove the duck from the oven, let it rest briefly, then slice.
- 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.