Roast Duck

This is a massive Oliver family favorite—everyone loves building their own pancakes, and roast duck is such a treat. I get my pancakes from a Chinese supermarket or online, but if you can’t find them, use iceberg lettuce leaves instead.

Roast Duck
Roast Duck

This is a massive Oliver family favorite—everyone loves building their own pancakes, and roast duck is such a treat. I get my pancakes from a Chinese supermarket or online, but if you can’t find them, use iceberg lettuce leaves instead.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 35.3318083333448 g
  • Cholesterol 1473.33333333333 mg
  • Fat 23.6164916665917 g
  • Fiber 7.37783324516813 g
  • Protein 24.1864966666684 g
  • Saturated Fat 6.22022583332298 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (452g)
  • Sodium 451.850937500339 mg
  • Sugar 27.9539750881767 g
  • Trans Fat 4.2026877083313 g
  • Calories 435 calories

Step-by-step

  • Get your meat out of the fridge and up to room temperature before you cook it.
  • Preheat the oven to 180oC/350oF/gas 4.
  • Peel the onion, cut into wedges and place in a roasting tray with the giblets and a splash of water.
  • Rub the duck all over with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice and a really good pinch of sea salt.
  • Halve the clementine and place in the cavity, then sit the duck directly on the bars of the oven, with the tray of onions and giblets underneath to catch the tasty fat.
  • Roast for 2 hours, or until the duck is crispy and cooked through, turning the onions occasionally to prevent them from catching.
  • While the duck cooks, prep the garnishes. Trim and halve the spring onions and carrots, then finely slice lengthways, scratch a fork down the cucumber, and finely slice it with the chilli. Pick the herb leaves. Cut the lime into wedges.
  • Remove the cooked duck to a platter, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.
  • Pour all the fat from the tray into a jar, cool, and place in the fridge for tasty cooking another day.
  • Using the tray, remove and discard the giblets, leaving the onions behind.
  • Place over a medium heat on the hob, peel, roughly chop and add the garlic and ginger, add 1 teaspoon of five-spice, then stir in the cranberries, picking up all the sticky goodness from the base of the tray.
  • Cook for 2 minutes, then add the soy, rice wine vinegar, honey, clementine juice and a splash of water.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, or until thick and glossy.
  • Pour into a blender and blitz until smooth, then taste and season to perfection.
  • In batches, warm the pancakes in a bamboo steamer over a pan of simmering water for just 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Slice the duck meat, or get two forks and ravage it all off the bone.
  • Serve everything in the middle of the table so everyone builds their own. The crispy duck skin will be an absolute treat dotted on top!

Roast Duck: A Culinary Adventure

The aroma of roasting duck fills my kitchen, a symphony of savory scents that transport me back to family gatherings and festive celebrations. This isn't just a recipe; it's a tradition, a cherished memory passed down through generations, a culinary adventure that I'm excited to share with you. The crispy skin, the succulent meat, the vibrant flavors—it's a masterpiece of culinary artistry, and honestly, it's surprisingly easy to create in your own home.

For me, cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it's an act of love, a way to connect with my family and create lasting memories. The process itself is a journey, a series of steps that culminate in a dish that's far greater than the sum of its parts. And the roast duck? It’s a perfect example of this. The anticipation as the duck roasts in the oven, the careful attention to detail as I prepare the garnishes, the satisfaction of creating something truly special—it's a deeply rewarding experience.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its adaptability. While the recipe provides a detailed guide, feel free to experiment and make it your own. Add your own personal touches, maybe some different herbs or spices, perhaps a unique sauce. Let your creativity flow, and don't be afraid to deviate from the plan—the kitchen is your canvas, and culinary innovation is your brush.

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a special occasion, and I was nervous. I meticulously followed every step, my heart pounding with anticipation. As the duck emerged from the oven, its skin glistening with a golden-brown hue, I knew I had created something truly magnificent. The look on my family's faces as they tasted the dish was priceless; pure joy and contentment etched onto their features.

Beyond the delicious flavors and satisfying texture, this roast duck represents something more profound: a connection to my heritage, a sense of belonging, and the joy of creating something beautiful with my own two hands. And this, perhaps, is the most important ingredient of all – the love and passion that go into every dish.

The process of making this duck is a meditative one. It's about slowing down, savoring each step, and appreciating the simple act of cooking. The time spent in the kitchen is a form of self-care, a time for introspection and creativity. This is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a culinary adventure that invites you to explore the world of flavors and textures, to embrace the unexpected, and to discover the joy of creating something truly special. And who knows, maybe this roast duck will become a cherished family tradition for you, too.

So gather your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and embark on this culinary journey with me. The results will be worth every minute of effort. Prepare to be amazed by the tantalizing aroma, the crispy skin, and the incredibly succulent meat. Your taste buds will thank you, and your heart will be filled with the warmth of a truly special meal. This roast duck isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a memory, a celebration of flavor and family. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

This recipe calls for simple yet flavorful ingredients, readily available in most supermarkets. Don't let the long list intimidate you; many are pantry staples.

  • olive oil
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 lime
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 fresh red chilli
  • 5 cm piece of ginger
  • 1 clementine
  • 4 spring onions
  • 1 kg whole duck (giblets reserved)
  • Chinese five-spice powder
  • 4 small carrots
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint and coriander (30g)
  • 18 Chinese pancakes
  • 200g frozen cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons low-salt soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons runny honey
  • 2 clementines