The Story of Peking Duck Pancakes
I first tried Peking duck when I was in college, and I was immediately hooked. The crispy skin and juicy meat were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I was also intrigued by the way the duck was served, with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and spring onions.
I learned that Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish that has been around for centuries. It is said to have originated in Beijing, and it is now considered to be one of the most famous dishes in China. The duck is roasted over a wood fire until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The skin is then scraped off and served separately, and the meat is sliced and served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and spring onions.
I decided to try making Peking duck pancakes at home, and I was surprised at how easy it was. The key to making good Peking duck pancakes is to use high-quality ingredients and to take your time. The pancakes should be thin and delicate, and the duck should be juicy and flavorful.
If you are looking for a delicious and impressive dish to make at home, I highly recommend trying Peking duck pancakes. They are sure to impress your guests, and they are a great way to experience the flavors of China.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck, about 4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice wine
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 bunch spring onions, chopped
- 12 pancakes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse the duck inside and out with cold water.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, five-spice powder, and sugar. Rub the mixture all over the duck.
- Place the duck in a roasting pan and pour the water, rice wine, and soy sauce into the pan.
- Roast the duck for 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
- Let the duck cool slightly before carving.
- To make the pancakes, mix together 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough into thin pancakes.
- Fill each pancake with sliced duck, hoisin sauce, and spring onions.
- Roll up the pancakes and enjoy!
Tips:
- For the best results, use a whole duck. If you can’t find a whole duck, you can use a duck breast or a duck thigh.
- If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can roast the duck in a large baking dish.
- To make the pancakes ahead of time, roll them out and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the pancakes for up to 2 weeks. When you are ready to serve, thaw the pancakes and cook them according to the instructions.
- Serve the Peking duck pancakes with some of the duck broth from the roasting pan.
Conclusion:
Peking duck pancakes are a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests. They are not too difficult to make, and they are a great way to experience the flavors of China. So next time you are looking for a special dish to make, give Peking duck pancakes a try!
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Peking duck and Cantonese roast duck?
A: Peking duck and Cantonese roast duck are both roasted duck dishes, but they have some key differences. Peking duck is traditionally roasted over a wood fire, while Cantonese roast duck is roasted in an oven. Peking duck is also served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and spring onions, while Cantonese roast duck is typically served with rice.
Q: What is the best way to roast a duck?
A: There are a few different ways to roast a duck, but the best way depends on your personal preferences. If you want the skin to be crispy, you can roast the duck over a wood fire. If you want the meat to be more tender, you can roast the duck in an oven.
Q: What are some tips for making Peking duck pancakes?
A: Here are some tips for making Peking duck pancakes:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The pancakes should be made with fresh flour and water. The duck should be fresh and free-range.
- Take your time. The pancakes should be rolled out thin and delicate. The duck should be cooked slowly and evenly.
- Be creative. There are many different ways to serve Peking duck pancakes. You can add other ingredients, such as cucumber, carrots, or radishes. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as plum sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Q: Where can I buy Peking duck pancakes?
A: Peking duck pancakes are typically served in Chinese restaurants. You can also find them at some grocery stores and specialty food stores.
I hope these FAQs help you learn more about Peking duck pancakes!
