Want to know how to make Peking duck? Silly question, really. You wouldn't have clicked on this article if you weren't at least intrigued about to how to make a duck with crispy, lacquered mahogany skin and a perfectly pink interior.
Luckily for you, we spoke with chef Andrew Yeo, Corporate Executive Chef at Hakkasan, and got him to share some of his top tips on making perfect duck at home. If you’re looking for a recipe that will seriously wow your guests at your next dinner party, this homemade peking duck recipe is the move.
Where is Peking duck from?
"Peking duck is a famous Chinese dish that originated in Beijing (formerly known as Peking), China and has been cherished in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It has a long history, dating back to the imperial era of China. Peking duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, and it is often served with thin pancakes (often referred to as Mandarin pancakes or Chinese pancakes), hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions and cucumber strips to enhance the overall flavour and texture of the dish. The idea is to wrap slices of the crispy duck skin, along with hoisin sauce and sliced scallions, in the pancakes, creating a delicious and flavourful bite."
What makes Peking duck so special?
"Peking duck has historical and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine. The dish has a long and rich history that spans several centuries. The origins of Peking duck can be traced back to Imperial China, specifically to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). It became particularly associated with the imperial court in Beijing during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The dish's popularity grew over time, and by the mid-19th century, it had become well-established and was enjoyed by both the imperial elite and the common man. Peking duck gained further recognition and popularity in the early 20th century when restaurants specialising in the dish began to emerge in Beijing. The preparation of Peking duck is meticulous and involves several steps. It was also once considered a delicacy reserved for special occasions and is now often enjoyed during special celebrations and gatherings."
What is the secret ingredient to your Peking duck?
"My secret ingredient is both the technique and seasoning. The spices go into the duck, and it undergoes a two-day curing process before we actually start the dry roasting process. This meticulous preparation is very important to achieving the distinct flavour and texture that make our Peking duck special."
What are the best spices for Peking duck?
We use our own five-spice blend – before dry roasting, we roast the inside of our duck with our special Five spice salt – salt, sugar, Chinese five-spice, ginger and liquorice powder. We then add bay leaves and star anise. This ensures optimum flavour.
How long should you dry roast Peking duck for?
"The drying or air-drying process that precedes roasting is a crucial step in Peking duck preparation. The duck is often air-dried for an extended period, sometimes hanging in a cool, dry place, to help achieve the desired crispy texture. Our dry roasting process takes two to three days. We get our ducks specifically selected and grown for us according to our specifications by Silver Hill. We want to select a duck that isn’t too heavy or not heavy enough. During the curing process, the duck loses some of its fat, which helps with achieving crispy skin."
How have people reacted to adding an ingredient like caviar to your Peking duck?
"First timers are very curious about having caviar with Peking duck and want to try it out. Guests who have tried the dish before like to re-order it for their friends to try. While it's not a traditional addition, there is room for culinary creativity, and adding caviar to Peking duck gives it a luxurious twist. It is important to consider the type of caviar as some may have a more intense flavour, and we want to ensure that it complements, rather than overwhelms, the flavours of the Peking duck, so we use a non-salty caviar for the ideal pairing. Caviar is an ingredient used for celebration, and the perfect way to treat your guest; it is definitely a dish to try at Hakkasan."
Where else can you find a good Peking duck in London?
"London has a huge selection of Chinese restaurants that serve Peking duck, as well as other traditional Chinese delicacies, including dim sum, hotpots and stir-fry dishes. Whether it’s high-end cuisine or no-frills street food, London’s Chinese restaurants are diverse. However, as the first Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in the UK, with years of experience, Hakkasan offers an authentic and elevated serve of Peking duck."
