Description
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (about 5 pounds), cleaned and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon maltose (or additional honey)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups boiling water
For Serving:
- Mandarin pancakes or steamed buns
- Hoisin sauce
- Fresh cucumber, cut into thin strips
- Scallions, sliced into thin strips
Ingredients
Scale
Step 1: Prepare the Duck
- Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the Chinese five-spice powder and salt. Rub this mixture evenly inside the cavity of the duck.
Step 2: Blanch the Duck
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Holding the duck by its neck, carefully pour the boiling water over the entire surface. This step tightens the skin, which is crucial for crispiness.
- Pat the duck dry again and place it on a rack over a baking sheet.
Step 3: Glaze and Dry the Duck
- In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, and maltose until well combined.
- Brush a generous layer of this glaze over the entire surface of the duck.
- Allow the duck to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for about 24 hours. Alternatively, place the duck uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 4: Roast the Duck
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the duck, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 1 hour.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting for another 30 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the duck rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Step 5: Prepare the Accompaniments
- Warm the Mandarin pancakes or steamed buns according to package instructions.
- Arrange the cucumber and scallion strips on a serving platter.
- Pour the hoisin sauce into a small serving bowl.
Step 6: Serve
- Carve the duck into thin slices, ensuring each piece has a portion of crispy skin.
- To enjoy, spread hoisin sauce onto a pancake or bun, add a few slices of duck, and top with cucumber and scallions. Roll up and savor each bite.