Hello, duck enthusiasts! If you’re looking to impress with a show-stopping meal, this Honey Glazed Peking Duck is the perfect dish. Crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, and a sweet honey glaze combine to create an unforgettable flavor. Traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions, Peking Duck is a classic Chinese dish that’s a perfect choice for special occasions or a fancy dinner.
Ready to try your hand at making this delectable dish? Let’s get started!
Honey Glazed Peking Duck
Experience the rich flavors of Honey Glazed Peking Duck! Crispy, juicy, and glazed with sweet honey, this classic dish is perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Duck
- 1 whole duck about 4-5 lbs, cleaned and patted dry
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups boiling water
For the Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
For Serving
- Thin Chinese pancakes or flour tortillas
- Hoisin sauce
- Sliced scallions
- Cucumber sticks
Substitutions
- Vegan: Substitute duck with a plant-based meat alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey for the glaze.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Duck
- Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat around the neck and cavity.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and salt.
- Rub this mixture all over the duck, both inside and out.
Boil Water and Dry the Duck
- Place the duck on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Pour the boiling water over the duck, allowing the skin to tighten and become glossy.
- Pat the duck dry once again.
- Place the duck in the refrigerator, uncovered, to dry out overnight.
- This step is crucial for getting that crispy skin.
Roast the Duck
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the duck, breast-side up, on a wire rack set in a roasting pan.
- Roast the duck for 1 hour, basting it occasionally with the pan drippings.
- After 1 hour, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Honey Glaze
- While the duck is roasting, prepare the glaze by combining honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Glaze the Duck
- Once the duck is done roasting, brush the honey glaze generously over the entire duck.
- Return the duck to the oven for 5 more minutes to let the glaze set and caramelize.
Serve
- Carve the Honey Glazed Peking Duck into thin slices and serve with Chinese pancakes, hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and cucumber sticks.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 portion of duck with pancakes and sauce):
- Calories: 600-700
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 20g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- For extra crispy skin, make sure the duck dries out completely in the fridge. If you’re short on time, dry it for at least 4 hours.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
- Peking Duck is typically served with thin pancakes, but you can use flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps as a substitute.
Variations:
- Spicy Peking Duck: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Glazed Duck: Substitute the rice vinegar in the glaze with freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Herb-Infused Peking Duck: Stuff the cavity of the duck with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lemongrass for extra flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Serve the Honey Glazed Peking Duck with traditional Chinese pancakes, hoisin sauce, and garnishes like scallions and cucumber sticks. A side of stir-fried vegetables or fried rice pairs perfectly with this dish.
- Make It Ahead: The duck can be prepped and dried in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance, making it a great dish to prepare ahead for a special occasion.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover duck in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a hot skillet to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Honey Glazed Peking Duck that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor! This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a rich, flavorful meal. With its caramelized honey glaze and tender duck meat, every bite is sure to be a treat. So gather your ingredients, take your time with the preparation, and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic dish. Bon appétit!
