130

min
  • dinners

Decoder Duck Peking Style

There's nothing quite like the combination of crispy duck, sweet and tangy glaze, and thin pancakes that makes up the traditional Peking duck. Our Decoder Duck Peking Style takes this classic dish and elevates it to new heights, with a unique twist inspired by the innovative spirit of Iron Chef.

  • SERVES
    4
  • PREP TIME
    40 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    90 minutes
Ingredients
  • One 5 to 6-pound whole duck
  • Sea salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Small bunch each fresh thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and sage
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 whole star anise
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • Thin pancakes, to serve
  • Bunch of scallions, chopped to serve
Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season the duck with sea salt and pepper, inside and out.
  3. Stuff the duck with the fresh herbs, garlic, star anise, and orange zest.
  4. Place the duck breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour.
  5. While the duck is roasting, prepare the glaze by combining the soy sauce, honey, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces and thickens slightly.
  6. After an hour, remove the duck from the oven and brush the glaze all over the duck.
  7. Return the duck to the oven and continue to roast, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes, until the duck is deeply colored and crispy, about 30 minutes more.
  8. Let the duck rest for 15 minutes before carving.
  9. Serve the duck with thin pancakes and chopped scallions.

Peking duck is a dish steeped in history, originating from the imperial era in Beijing. The traditional preparation method involves air-drying the duck and then roasting it in a closed or hung oven. The result is a duck with thin, crisp skin, usually served with pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce.

Our version of this traditional dish, the Decoder Duck Peking Style, echoes the original while introducing unique touches to create a new culinary experience. We've incorporated a medley of fresh herbs, garlic, star anise, and orange zest as stuffing to infuse the duck with an aromatic depth of flavor. Then, we've swapped out the sweet bean sauce for a soy, honey, and vinegar glaze that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

This recipe is inspired by the spirit of the Iron Chef. We've taken the challenge to decode the traditional Peking Duck recipe and elevate it with unexpected elements while maintaining the essence of this beloved dish.

The Decoder Duck Peking Style shines as a dish that embraces the past while boldly stepping into the future. It's a testament to the transformative power of culinary creativity, and a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best dishes are those that dare to reimagine the classics. It's more than just a dish; it's a culinary adventure that will make you feel like an Iron Chef in your own kitchen.

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