Crispy Duck
Roasted duck known for its crispy skin.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Shanghai Pine Garden
Roasting duck has a long history in China, dating back to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD). Early forms of Peking duck, a predecessor to crispy duck, were dishes for the imperial court. Over time, the techniques for roasting duck evolved, with regional variations and specialized ovens developing to achieve the desired crispy skin.
Crispy duck, especially in its Peking duck variant, holds significant cultural importance in China. It's considered a celebratory dish, often served at banquets, special occasions, and family gatherings. The preparation and presentation of the dish are often steeped in tradition.
Symbol of Prosperity and Good Fortune
Duck, in general, is often associated with prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Serving crispy duck at a celebration is seen as a way to invite good luck and abundance.
Communal Dining Experience
Crispy duck is often a dish shared among a group of people, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. The act of assembling the pancakes with the various accompaniments is often a social and interactive experience.
A Culinary Art Form
The preparation of crispy duck is considered a culinary art form, requiring skill and precision to achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. Highly skilled chefs often dedicate years to mastering the technique.
Crispy duck is characterized by a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The defining characteristic is its intensely crispy skin, achieved through a specific preparation and roasting process. The meat itself is tender and succulent, offering a savory and slightly gamey flavor that complements the crisp skin perfectly.
The flavor profile is primarily savory, with notes of richness from the duck fat rendered during the roasting process. Often, aromatic spices like five-spice powder (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds) are used to marinate the duck, adding depth and complexity to the flavor. Served with pancakes, scallions, cucumbers, and hoisin sauce provides sweet, salty, and fresh contrast that make the dish very pleasant.
Air-Drying is Key
Properly air-drying the duck before roasting is crucial for achieving crispy skin. This allows the skin to dry out, which enables it to crisp up in the oven. Ideally, air-dry the duck for several hours, or even overnight, in a cool, dry place.
Scalding the Skin
Scalding the duck with boiling water helps to tighten the skin and prepare it for drying. This step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
Precise Temperature Control
Controlling the oven temperature is essential. Starting at a higher temperature helps to initially crisp the skin, while reducing the heat later prevents the meat from drying out. Monitoring the internal temperature of the duck is also important to ensure it's cooked to perfection.
Resting the Duck
Allowing the duck to rest after roasting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
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