Crispy Peking Duck is not just a dish; it’s a culinary symphony that dances on your taste buds. Imagine savoring tender, juicy duck with a skin so crisp it could rival the sound of your favorite snack crunching. crispy potatoes as a side dish The fragrant aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising an unforgettable experience.
Remember the first time you tried this delightful dish? Perhaps it was at a bustling restaurant, and you couldn’t resist the allure of crispy skin and succulent meat. noodles to complete your meal Now, you can recreate that magic right in your kitchen, making every meal feel like a festive occasion bursting with flavor and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Peking Duck offers an impressive flavor explosion while being surprisingly easy to prepare at home
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for special gatherings or casual dinners
- The versatility allows you to pair it with various sides, making it ideal for any occasion
- Plus, the crispy skin will leave everyone begging for more!
Sharing this dish with my friends always turns into a laughter-filled adventure, especially when they attempt to replicate that perfect crunchy skin!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Duck: A whole duck is essential; look for one with a good amount of fat for extra crispy skin.
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Five-Spice Powder: This aromatic blend adds depth; find a high-quality mix for the best results.
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Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce complements the duck perfectly; choose a brand you love. fruit-infused chicken option Hoisin chicken for a savory pairing. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
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Pancakes or Steamed Buns: These serve as delightful vehicles for your duck; homemade or store-bought works well.
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Scallions: Fresh scallions bring a bright crunch; use them generously for garnish.
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Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds freshness and balance to each bite; pick firm ones for best texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Duck: Start by rinsing the duck under cold water and patting it dry thoroughly. This step ensures that moisture doesn’t interfere with achieving crispy skin.
Season Generously: Rub the duck all over with five-spice powder and salt. Let it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to permeate deeply.
Air-Dry Time!: Place the duck on a rack in the fridge for at least 4 hours before roasting. This helps dry out the skin further, enhancing that coveted crispiness when cooked.
Roast Away!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the duck on a rack in a roasting pan for about 1 hour, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Let It Rest: After removing from the oven, let your duck rest for 15 minutes before carving. This resting period helps retain juices within the meat, ensuring every bite is delectable.
Serve & Enjoy!: Slice up your crispy Peking duck and serve it with pancakes or buns, hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumbers. Dig in and relish every crunchy bite!
This recipe will surely impress anyone fortunate enough to join you at your table!
You Must Know
- Crispy Peking Duck is all about that crunch!
- Patience during drying ensures perfectly crispy skin and tender meat
- Remember to let the duck rest before carving for juicy results
- The aroma while roasting will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by air-drying the duck; this step is crucial for crispy skin. Then, roast it slowly at a low temperature before increasing the heat to finish. This sequence ensures both tender meat and that coveted crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Consider adding five-spice powder or garlic for extra flavor. You can also swap the traditional hoisin sauce with a spicy chili sauce for a kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover duck in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy texture—microwaving just won’t cut it!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect crispiness, air-dry the duck overnight in the fridge before cooking
- Always score the skin but avoid cutting into the meat itself
- Basting with honey during roasting adds a beautiful glaze and flavor boost
Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of my first attempt at making Peking Duck—it was a glorious mess, but they loved it anyway!
FAQ
What makes Crispy Peking Duck so special?
Crispy Peking Duck is famous for its crunchy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
Can I use other types of ducks?
Yes, but Pekin ducks are preferred for their flavor and skin texture.
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
The duck should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and tenderness.

Crispy Peking Duck
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Crispy Peking Duck is a show-stopping dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. With tender, juicy meat and an irresistibly crunchy skin, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine. Serve it with soft pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh veggies for a delightful meal that’s perfect for entertaining or celebrating special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (about 5–6 lbs)
- 2 tbsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 6 pancakes or steamed buns
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly.
- Rub the duck all over with five-spice powder and salt. Let it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight.
- Place the duck on a rack in the fridge for at least 4 hours to air-dry.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the duck on a rack in a roasting pan for about 1 hour until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the duck rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with pancakes or buns, hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg