Chinese Roast Duck with Plum Sauce and Scallion Pancakes

Chinese roast duck is a culinary masterpiece that has been enjoyed for centuries. Known for its crispy skin, succulent meat, and rich flavors, it is often paired with tangy plum sauce and soft, chewy scallion pancakes. This combination offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy textures, making it an iconic dish in Chinese cuisine. Although traditionally prepared in restaurants, you can recreate this delicious roast duck at home. Let’s dive into the recipe and process of making Chinese roast duck with plum sauce and scallion pancakes.

Ingredients:

For the Roast Duck:

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 4-5 slices fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Plum Sauce:

• 1 cup ripe plums, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Scallion Pancakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
• 1/4 cup sesame oil (for brushing)
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Duck

Start by cleaning the duck. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat from around the cavity.

In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. Set aside. Rub the entire duck inside and out with salt and Chinese five-spice powder. Place the ginger slices and crushed garlic inside the cavity of the duck for additional flavor.

For the crispiest skin, hang the duck in a cool, dry place for a few hours to dry the skin or place it uncovered in the fridge overnight. This drying process helps the skin become golden and crispy during roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Duck

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up, and brush it with the honey-soy mixture. Roast for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting the duck every 30 minutes with the mixture for a beautiful glaze. Halfway through roasting, flip the duck over to ensure even cooking.

After the duck is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C in the thickest part), increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the skin further. Once done, let the duck rest for about 15 minutes before carving.

Step 3: Make the Plum Sauce

While the duck is roasting, prepare the plum sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped plums, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Cook over medium heat until the plums break down and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes.

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tartness. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Prepare the Scallion Pancakes

In a large bowl, combine the flour and boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 8 inches in diameter. Brush the surface of each circle with sesame oil and sprinkle evenly with chopped scallions and a pinch of salt. Roll the dough up into a log, then coil the log into a spiral. Flatten the spiral with a rolling pin to create a pancake.

Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve the Duck with Plum Sauce and Scallion Pancakes

Carve the roasted duck into thin slices and serve it alongside the homemade plum sauce and scallion pancakes. To eat, spread some plum sauce on a pancake, top it with slices of duck, and roll it up. The combination of the crispy duck, tangy plum sauce, and soft, flaky scallion pancake is simply irresistible.

Tips for Success:

• Crispy Skin: The key to crispy skin is drying out the duck as much as possible before roasting. Letting it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight helps achieve this.
• Flavorful Glaze: Basting the duck regularly with the honey-soy mixture not only helps develop a deep color but also adds flavor to the skin.
• Perfect Plum Sauce: Fresh, ripe plums work best for this sauce, but you can use frozen plums or even plum jam in a pinch. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
• Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rest before rolling out the scallion pancakes makes it easier to handle and ensures a tender, flaky texture.

Variations:

• Peking Duck Style: For a more authentic Peking duck experience, you can serve the roast duck with thin Mandarin pancakes and hoisin sauce instead of scallion pancakes and plum sauce.
• Duck Fat: Save the rendered duck fat from roasting to fry your scallion pancakes for an even richer flavor.
• Herbal Duck: Add additional aromatics like star anise or cinnamon sticks inside the duck cavity for more complexity.

This dish is traditionally served as part of a larger Chinese feast. Alongside the duck, plum sauce, and scallion pancakes, you can serve steamed vegetables like bok choy or stir-fried greens. A light soup, such as hot and sour or wonton soup, would complement the rich flavors of the roast duck.

Chinese roast duck with plum sauce and scallion pancakes is a sophisticated yet achievable dish that will impress your family and guests. The crispy duck, sweet and tangy plum sauce, and savory scallion pancakes create a memorable flavor experience that celebrates the richness of Chinese culinary traditions. With a little preparation and patience, this dish can bring the joy of a restaurant-quality meal into your home.

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