Tasty Peking Roast Duck Imperial Classic🦆

Now you can enjoy an all-time classic roast duck in your home

Prep Time: 24+ hours (air-drying) | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

For the Duck:

• 1 whole duck (4-5 lbs), cleaned and dried
• 2 tbsp maltose or honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 tsp salt

For Serving:

• 16-20 Mandarin pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 cucumber, julienned into matchsticks
• 8 scallions, cut into 3-inch strips

For the Glaze:

• 3 tbsp maltose or honey
• 2 tbsp hot water

Instructions:

1. Prepare Duck: Remove giblets and excess fat. Rinse the duck inside and out, pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin!
2. Blanch Duck: Pour boiling water over the duck skin to tighten pores. Pat dry immediately and thoroughly.
3. Make Glaze: Mix maltose/honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. Brush the entire duck with this mixture, inside and out.
4. Air-Dry (Critical Step): Hang the duck in a cool, dry place or refrigerate (uncovered) for 24-48 hours. This dries the skin for ultimate crispiness. Place the tray underneath to catch drips.
5. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the duck breast-side up on a roasting rack over a roasting pan with 1 inch of water.
6. First Roast: Roast 30 minutes. Brush with glaze mixture.
7. Continue Roasting: Roast 45 more minutes, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes. Skin should be deep mahogany and crispy.
8. Rest & Slice: Let duck rest 10 minutes. Carve the meat and crispy skin into thin slices.
9. Warm Pancakes: Steam the pancakes for 5 minutes, until soft and pliable.
10. Serve: Each person spreads hoisin on a pancake, adds duck slices, cucumber, and scallions. Roll and enjoy!

Chef’s Tips:

• ✨ Air-drying is non-negotiable for authentic crispy skin
• ✨ Maltose creates a better glaze than honey, but honey works
• ✨ Keep basting for deep color and flavor
• ✨ The skin should shatter when you bite it!

Nutrition (per serving with 3 pancakes): 580 calories | 35g protein | 38g carbs | 32g fat