Pecking Duck is a famous dish that originated from Beijing, China. It is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it has become a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world. If you haven’t tasted this delicious dish yet, then you are in for a treat! In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about Pecking Duck, from its origin to how to prepare it, its ingredients and spices, recipe, and more.
Origin of Pecking Duck
This dish has a rich history that dates back to the imperial era of China. It was first prepared in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty, and it was then known as “shāo yāzi.” The dish became popular among the imperial courts, and it was eventually renamed “Peking Duck” during the Ming Dynasty. The dish gained global recognition in the 20th century and has since become a staple in Chinese cuisine.
How to prepare Pecking Duck
To prepare this dish, the first step is to select the right duck. The ducks used for this dish are usually a breed called Pekin ducks, which have a high-fat content, giving them their signature crispy skin. The duck is then cleaned, seasoned with a mixture of spices, and left to marinate overnight.
The duck is then roasted in an oven or hung in a closed room with a wood fire, which cooks the duck evenly while giving it a smoky flavor. It is then sliced and served with Mandarin pancakes, green onions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce.
Ingredients and spices to make Pecking Duck
The spices used to make may vary from recipe to recipe, but the most commonly used ones include cinnamon, star anise, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and garlic. The marinade for the duck typically includes soy sauce, rice wine, honey, and sometimes hoisin sauce, which gives the duck its signature sweet flavor.
Pecking Duck recipe
To prepare this dish, the duck is first marinated with spices such as ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. It is then roasted in a special oven until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown. The meat is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. The dish is often accompanied by fresh cucumber and carrots to balance out the flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck (4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thin pancakes
- Scallions, thinly sliced
- Sweet bean sauce
- Fresh cucumber and carrots
Instructions:
- Clean the duck and remove any excess fat. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, honey, ginger, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade all over the duck, inside and out. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the duck on a roasting rack, breast side up, and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice the meat into thin pieces.
- To serve, place a few slices of duck meat on a thin pancake, add some scallions and sweet bean sauce, and roll it up. Serve with fresh cucumber and carrots.
Difference between Pecking Duck and Regular Duck
Pecking Duck is a specific type of roasted duck that is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. The traditional method of preparing Pecking Duck involves inflating the duck with air to separate the skin from the meat and then roasting it in a special oven until the skin becomes crispy. Regular duck, on the other hand, can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasted, grilled, or braised. While both dishes use duck as the main ingredient, the preparation method and the taste of the final dish are vastly different.
What Can Pecking Duck be Served With?
It is often served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. The pancakes are used to wrap the duck meat and other ingredients, while the scallions and sweet bean sauce add flavor and texture to the dish. Other common accompaniments include fresh cucumber and carrots, which help to balance out the rich flavors of the duck meat.
Health Benefits of Pecking
While Pecking Duck is a delicious and popular dish, it is also relatively high in calories and fat. A 3.5-ounce serving of duck meat contains around 180 calories and 10 grams of fat. However, duck meat is also a good.
It is best served hot, straight from the oven or grill, with its crispy skin and tender meat. The traditional way to serve Pecking Duck is by placing the carved meat and crispy skin on a plate alongside scallions, cucumber slices, and hoisin sauce. The meat is wrapped in thin, crepe-like pancakes with a spoonful of hoisin sauce, a few slices of cucumber, and scallions. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Aside from being a delicious meal, Pecking Duck also has some nutritional value. It is rich in protein and vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. The skin of Pecking Duck, while not particularly healthy, contains collagen which is great for the skin and joints.
Conclusion
Pecking Duck is a delicious and unique dish that originated in China and has become popular all over the world. It is a dish that takes some time and effort to prepare, but the end result is definitely worth it. With the right ingredients, spices, and preparation methods, you can make your own Pecking Duck at home and impress your family and friends. Whether served traditionally with pancakes and hoisin sauce, or in a more creative way, Pecking Duck is a dish that is sure to satisfy.