Chinese Roast Duck Recipe

step 1

• STEP 1.Clean and wash a 4 lb whole duck with skin on. pat dry with a kitchen paper towel.

step 2

• STEP 1.Boil water in a pot and hold the duck over the pot, spoon boiling water all over the skin of the duck. This helps to tighten the skin.

step 3

• STEP 1.Leave it suspended to drip for 30 minutes.. In the cavity of a 4 lb whole duck with skin on, place 2 pieces of 1 inch ginger slightly pounded, 2 scallion stalks and 3 pieces star anise.

step 4

• STEP 1.To prepare the dry rub for the duck, in a small bowl add 1 to 5 tsp of five spice powder depending on the level of spice desired. Add 1 ½ tbsp himalayan pink salt, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 3 tbsp peanut oil and mix.

step 5

• STEP 1.Apply the rub on the skin of the duck. Rub well all over the duck.

step 6

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit (162 degrees celsius).

step 7

• STEP 1.Prepare a baking tray by spreading a sheet of tin foil over it. Arrange the baking rack on the tray.

step 8

• STEP 1.Place the duck on the rack and place it in the oven and bake for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours.

step 9

• STEP 1.To make the plum sauce, heat a saucepan on medium heat and add 1 tsp oil, 1 tsp chopped ginger and garlic and stir to sear.

step 10

• STEP 1.Add ¼ cup water, 3 tbsp apricot jam, 3 tbsp black chinese vinegar or white vinegar. Stir and turn the heat to low and simmer.

step 11

• STEP 1.Add ½ tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp sesame oil. Taste for salt and adjust.

step 12

• STEP 1.Add ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp worcestershire sauce and let the sauce simmer on low heat till it thickens.

• STEP 1.11 after 2 ½ hours turn the oven ‘broiler’ mode for the skin of the duck to become crisp.

• STEP 2.12 check the duck often after turning to broiler mode.

• STEP 3.13 when the skin is crispy, take the tray out of the oven.

• STEP 4.14 spoon some of the juices from the cavity of the duck into the plum sauce in the saucepan.

• STEP 5.Let the duck rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

• STEP 6.15 carve the duck and arrange the pieces on a platter. Spoon the plum sauce over the top of the duck.