Cantonese-Style Roast Duck: Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Introduction

Cantonese-style roast duck is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Originating from the Guangdong province in southern China, this iconic dish has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating your own mouthwatering Cantonese-style roast duck at home.

Ingredients

To make Cantonese-style roast duck, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons of coarse salt
– 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
– Scallions and cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the duck. Remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity and rinse the duck inside and out under cold water. Pat the duck dry with paper towels.

2. Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the duck in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat, as this will help the fat render out during roasting, resulting in crispy skin.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the coarse salt and Chinese five-spice powder. Rub this mixture all over the duck, making sure to coat it evenly.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

5. While the duck is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly.

6. Brush the glaze over the duck every 20 minutes during the last hour of cooking to add flavor and shine to the skin.

7. Once the duck is cooked through and the skin is crispy, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

8. To serve, carve the duck into pieces and garnish with sliced scallions and cilantro. Enjoy your homemade Cantonese-style roast duck with steamed rice and vegetables for a traditional Chinese feast.

Now you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic Cantonese-style roast duck recipe!

FAQs About Cantonese-Style Roast Duck

Q: What is Cantonese-style roast duck?

A: Cantonese-style roast duck is a popular Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. It is traditionally roasted whole with a unique blend of seasoning.

Q: How is the skin of Cantonese-style roast duck so crispy?

A: The crispy skin of Cantonese-style roast duck is achieved through a process of air-drying the duck after seasoning it. This step helps remove excess moisture and promotes crispiness during roasting.

Q: What makes Cantonese-style roast duck’s meat so juicy?

A: The juiciness of the meat in Cantonese-style roast duck is a result of marinating the duck in a flavorful mixture before roasting. This marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.

Q: How is Cantonese-style roast duck typically served?

A: Cantonese-style roast duck is often served sliced with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own or in dishes like fried rice or noodle soups.