Peking Duck (北京烤鸭, Běijīng kǎoyā) dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and became a favorite dish of the Ming Dynasty’s imperial court.
By the Beijing Quanjude Restaurant (est. 1864), it became world-renowned for its crisp skin and theatrical table-side carving.
🍴 What Makes It Special
- Crispy, paper-thin skin
- Tender, aromatic meat
- Served with pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce
- Carved tableside for drama & tradition!
🍽️ Peking Duck Recipe (Home Version)
⏱️ Time: 1–2 days (prep & dry), 1.5–2 hrs (roasting)
👨🍳 Difficulty: Advanced but rewarding
🔹 Ingredients:
- Whole duck (around 2–2.5 kg)
- Maltose or honey – 2 tbsp
- Chinese five-spice – 2 tsp
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Shaoxing wine – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Hoisin sauce, scallions, cucumber, Mandarin pancakes – for serving
🔹 Instructions:
1. Clean & Dry Duck
- Remove excess fat and rinse the duck.
- Use a hand pump (or blow dryer) to separate skin from flesh for crispiness.
- Boil water, pour over duck skin to tighten it.
2. Marinate & Air-Dry
- Mix maltose (or honey), vinegar, soy sauce, wine, and five-spice.
- Brush duck evenly.
- Hang or place uncovered in fridge for 12–24 hrs to dry skin.
3. Roast
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Roast duck for 60–90 minutes, flipping once.
- Baste with glaze halfway through.
4. Carve & Serve
- Carve skin first, then meat.
- Serve with pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber & scallion.
🦆 Peking Duck – FAQ Guide
📜 History & Culture
1. What is Peking Duck?
Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish from Beijing, known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and elegant presentation, often served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.
2. When was Peking Duck invented?
It dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (around the 13th century) and became popular during the Ming Dynasty as an imperial dish.
3. Why is it called “Peking” Duck?
“Peking” is the older Western spelling of “Beijing,” where the dish was perfected.
4. Is Peking Duck the same as Roast Duck?
No. Peking Duck is air-dried and glazed before roasting, resulting in crispier skin. Cantonese-style roast duck is juicier with different seasonings.
👨🍳 Preparation & Cooking
5. What makes Peking Duck skin so crispy?
The duck is air-dried for hours (or overnight), and the skin is glazed with maltose or honey to achieve a shiny, crispy finish.
6. How is the duck cooked?
Traditionally roasted in a hung oven (wood-fired), though at home it can be roasted in a regular oven.
7. How long does it take to make Peking Duck at home?
- Drying/Marinating: 12–24 hours
- Roasting: 60–90 minutes
8. What tools are needed to make it traditionally?
A hook for hanging, a pump (or straw) to separate skin from meat, and ideally a specialized oven.
9. Can you make Peking Duck without hanging it?
Yes, by laying it on a rack in the oven and using a blow dryer or hand pump to loosen the skin.
🍽️ Serving & Eating
10. How is Peking Duck served?
Typically sliced in three parts:
- Crisp skin
- Skin with some meat
- Remaining meat
It’s wrapped in Mandarin pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber.
11. What are Mandarin pancakes?
Thin, flour-based pancakes used to wrap duck slices and toppings, similar to tortillas but lighter.
12. Is the entire duck used?
Yes. Skin and meat are served, and the bones often make a duck broth or soup.
13. What sauces go with Peking Duck?
Mostly hoisin sauce or sweet bean sauce (tian mian jiang).
14. Can it be served cold?
Peking Duck is usually served hot. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
🌱 Health & Nutrition
15. Is Peking Duck healthy?
It’s high in protein but also in fat and sodium. Removing skin lowers the fat content.
16. Is the skin eaten?
Yes — the crispy, lacquered skin is the highlight of Peking Duck.
17. Is Peking Duck gluten-free?
No. Traditional hoisin sauce and pancakes contain gluten, but gluten-free versions can be made.
🧠 Fun & Facts
18. What’s the most famous Peking Duck restaurant?
Quanjude in Beijing (since 1864) is internationally famous for Peking Duck.
19. Is Peking Duck eaten with chopsticks or hands?
Usually with chopsticks, but you may use hands when assembling pancakes.
20. How many people can one duck serve?
Typically 4–6 people.
21. What wine pairs well with Peking Duck?
Pinot Noir, Shiraz, or a lightly sweet Riesling complements the rich flavor.
22. What’s the difference between Beijing Duck and Nanjing Duck?
Peking Duck focuses on crispy skin; Nanjing Duck is often saltier with more meat and less emphasis on skin.
🍽️ Modern Variations & Hacks
23. Can Peking Duck be made in an air fryer?
Parts of it can be air-fried, but it’s hard to replicate the full effect of oven-roasted, air-dried skin.
24. Can I make Peking Duck with just duck breast?
Yes! Try a cheat version using just the skin-on breast, glazed and roasted.
25. What’s a good side dish with Peking Duck?
- Stir-fried greens
- Duck soup
- Pickled vegetables
- Jasmine rice
26. Is there a vegetarian version of Peking Duck?
Yes — made using tofu skin, mushrooms, or seitan glazed and served with traditional accompaniments.
🔗 Internal & External Link Suggestions
✅ Internal Link:
Specila Recipies for indian foods
