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Roast Duck with Five Spice (五香烤鸭 (Wǔxiāng Kǎoyā))

sjfegan

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6
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole duck (about 2 kg / 4.4 lb)
  • 2 tbsp five spice powder
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 2 scallions

Method

  1. Rub the duck all over, inside and out, with the five spice powder and soy sauce.
  2. Stuff the cavity with ginger slices and scallions.
  3. Let marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, refrigerated.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  5. Roast the duck for 20 minutes, then brush with honey.
  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for a further 1–1.25 hours, basting occasionally, until the skin is deeply browned and the duck is cooked through.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Introduction: Whole duck rubbed with a fragrant five-spice blend and roasted, an early ancestor of China’s later, more elaborate roast duck traditions.

Cultural Background: Duck has been raised and prized in China for thousands of years, and roasting it with a blend of warming spices reflects an early culinary sophistication that would eventually give rise to the world-famous roast duck traditions of later dynasties.

Tips: Marinate for as long as possible, ideally overnight, for the deepest flavour to penetrate the meat. Brush with honey partway through roasting rather than at the start, as this prevents the skin from burning too early.

Variations: Serve with steamed grain or rice to soak up the juices. Adjust the five spice quantity to taste.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover duck in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently, covered, in an oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 420 kcal, 28 g protein, 30 g fat, 6 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: How long has duck been eaten in China?

A: Duck has been domesticated and eaten in China for thousands of years, with roasting techniques developing over many centuries into the elaborate traditions seen in later periods.

Q: What is five spice powder?

A: A traditional Chinese spice blend, typically combining star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed, used to season meats and other dishes.

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