What the Duck

Peking duck is a well-known Chinese dish famous for its crispy skin and tender meat. It is typically accompanied by thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions. While preparing Peking duck at home can be time-consuming and challenging, it is definitely achievable. Here is a simplified recipe for making Peking duck: Ingredients: For the Duck: - 1 whole duck (around 5-6 pounds) - 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder - 2 tablespoons of kosher salt - 1 tablespoon of honey For the Pancakes: - 2 cups of all-purpose flour - 1 cup of boiling water - 1 teaspoon of sesame oil For Serving: - Hoisin sauce - Sliced scallions - Julienne cucumber Instructions: 1. **Prepare the Duck:** - Thoroughly clean the duck, removing any excess fat and giblets from the cavity. - Use paper towels to pat the duck dry. - Rub a mixture of Chinese five-spice powder, kosher salt, and honey inside and outside the duck. - Leave the duck uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This step helps to dry out the skin, which is crucial for achieving crispiness. 2. **Roast the Duck: ** - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the duck, breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. - Roast the duck for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the size of your duck. - Periodically baste the duck with its rendered fat during the roasting process. 3. **Prepare the Pancakes: ** - While the duck is roasting, make the pancake dough by mixing the flour and boiling water in a bowl until the dough forms. - Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. - Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into small pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. - Flatten each ball into a thin pancake using a rolling pin. Brush one side with a small amount of sesame oil. - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pancakes, oiled side down, until they are lightly browned and puffed. Flip and cook the other side briefly. 4. **Serve the Duck: ** - Allow the roasted duck to rest for a few minutes before carving it into thin slices. - Serve the duck slices with the pancakes, hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and julienned cucumber. - To eat, spread hoisin sauce on a pancake, add duck slices, scallions, and cucumber. Roll it up like a burrito and enjoy! Keep in mind that this recipe is a simplified version of traditional Peking duck, which involves a more intricate and time-consuming process. However, this method will still yield a delicious homemade Peking duck that you and your guests can savor. Peking duck is widely loved for several reasons: 1. **Delicious Taste: ** Peking duck is renowned for its incredible flavor. The combination of tender, juicy meat and crispy, flavorful skin creates a delightful culinary experience. The duck is often seasoned with a blend of spices, including Chinese five-spice powder, which adds a rich and aromatic taste. 2. **Texture Contrast: ** Peking duck offers a pleasing contrast of textures. The crispy skin, soft pancakes, and refreshing crunch of cucumbers and scallions come together harmoniously and appeal to many palates. 3. **Cultural Significance: ** Peking duck holds deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition, especially in Beijing (formerly known as Peking), its place of origin. It has been enjoyed for centuries, and its cultural significance enhances its popularity. 4. **Impressive Presentation: ** Skilled chefs often carve Peking duck tableside, making it visually captivating. The meticulous presentation adds to the overall dining experience. 5. **Versatility: ** Peking duck is versatile and can be savored in various ways. It can be wrapped in pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumbers, or its leftover meat can be used in other dishes like duck stir-fries or duck fried rice. 6. **Special Occasions: ** Peking duck is commonly associated with celebrations and special events in Chinese culture. It is a dish that people enjoy during festivals, birthdays, weddings, and other significant occasions. 7. **Global Popularity: ** Peking duck has gained international acclaim due to the global presence of Chinese cuisine. Numerous Chinese restaurants worldwide serve their own versions of Peking duck, making it accessible to a diverse global audience. 8. **Culinary Tourism: ** Travelers often seek out Peking duck when visiting Beijing or renowned Chinese restaurants known for their authentic preparation of this dish. It becomes a memorable part of their culinary exploration. 9. **Social Experience: ** Sharing Peking duck with loved ones creates a social and interactive dining experience. The process of assembling the duck, condiments, and pancakes together adds to the enjoyment of the meal. In summary, the popularity of Peking duck stems from its delectable taste, cultural significance, impressive presentation, and its ability to offer a unique culinary experience that combines flavors, textures, and social interaction.