Crispy Duck
Crispy duck is very popular in the Sichuan province and it can be found in many restaurants. However, it is also equally popular to cook at home because, unlike Peking duck, it is easier to make in the home kitchen. My modern variation uses duck breast with the skin on. The duck is first seasoned and then pan-fried until the skin is crispy; the cooking is then finished off in the oven. I like serving this with a sweet and sour apricot and plum sauce.
Crispy duck is very popular in the Sichuan province and it can be found in many restaurants. However, it is also equally popular to cook at home because, unlike Peking duck, it is easier to make in the home kitchen. My modern variation uses duck breast with the skin on. The duck is first seasoned and then pan-fried until the skin is crispy; the cooking is then finished off in the oven. I like serving this with a sweet and sour apricot and plum sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 stick
- 1 star anise
- 6 star anise
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons ground sichuan peppercorns
- 2 skin-on duck breasts, skin scored in a criss-cross
- 1 tablespoon groundnut oil (peanut)
- salad greens for service
- 3 1/2 ounces water
- 2 ripe plums stoned and quartered
- 2 ounces dried apricots chopped
- serving suggestion: this dish is delicious accomp
- Carbohydrate 27.4279757754523 g
- Cholesterol 121.475 mg
- Fat 46.3456562704458 g
- Fiber 2.71420558808606 g
- Protein 2.93936517324351 g
- Saturated Fat 29.0643707900152 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (206g)
- Sodium 9522.82937998241 mg
- Sugar 24.7137701873662 g
- Trans Fat 3.38273080057725 g
- Calories 515 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the marinade: Place the star anise, grated ginger, rice wine, peppercorns, salt, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce, into a bowl, and stir to combine.
- Add the duck breasts to the marinade, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and leave to marinate for 20 minutes.
- Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat a wok or pan over a high heat, and add the groundnut oil.
- Remove the duck from the marinade and place the duck into the hot wok or pan, skin-side down, and fry until the skin is brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the duck to a sheet pan, skin-side up, and roast in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on how well done you would like your duck to be.
- While the duck is in the oven, prepare the apricot and plum sauce.
- To make the sauce: Pour the water into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil.
- Add the plums, apricots, sugar, honey, cinnamon, star anise, and cook until the mixture has reduced to a sticky sauce.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the lime juice.
- To serve, place a duck breast onto a plate, pour over the sauce and serve with a salad.
Crispy Duck: A Home Cook's Delight
As a busy working mom, I don't always have the time for elaborate cooking projects. But sometimes, I crave something truly special, something that feels both indulgent and relatively easy to prepare. That's where this Crispy Duck recipe comes in. It’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant-quality time commitment. The crispy skin, the juicy meat, and the vibrant, sweet and sour sauce – it's a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
I discovered this recipe a few years ago, inspired by my travels through Sichuan province. The authentic Sichuan Crispy Duck often involves a whole duck and a more involved process. However, this simplified version, using duck breasts, strikes a perfect balance between taste and ease. It's a fantastic way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The key is to properly marinate the duck to infuse it with flavor and to achieve that crucial crispy skin. Don't worry about overcooking – the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the oven time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
The Marinade: The Secret to Success
The marinade is where the magic truly begins. A simple blend of star anise, ginger, rice wine, peppercorns, soy sauce, and salt creates a complex and savory base that penetrates deep into the duck meat. I love using a combination of light and dark soy sauce to achieve a balanced flavor profile. The rice wine (or dry sherry) adds a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the overall taste. The ginger and garlic provide a wonderful aromatic backdrop. Give the duck at least 20 minutes to marinate; longer is even better if you have the time. The longer the duck marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
Achieving that Perfect Crisp
The key to truly crispy duck skin is to start with high heat. A hot wok or frying pan is essential. Sear the duck skin-side down until beautifully golden brown and crisp. This initial searing renders the fat and creates that satisfying crackle that only perfectly crispy skin can provide. Then, a short stint in the oven finishes the cooking process perfectly. The oven's even heat ensures that the duck is cooked through without over-drying the meat.
The Sweet and Sour Apricot Plum Sauce: A Flavorful Counterpoint
The sweet and sour apricot plum sauce is a fantastic counterpoint to the richness of the duck. The tartness of the plums and apricots beautifully balances the richness of the duck, while the honey and sugar add a touch of sweetness. A hint of lime juice at the end brightens the sauce and adds a refreshing zing. The sauce is incredibly easy to make and reduces quickly, creating a thick, glossy glaze that's perfect for drizzling over the duck. It's a taste of sunshine, a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the savory duck.
Serving Suggestions and Beyond
I like to serve this Crispy Duck with a simple green salad, allowing the fresh, crisp greens to contrast with the richness of the duck. You can also serve it with steamed rice or noodles. Leftovers are also fantastic; the duck reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy days. This dish is easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different sauces or sides. The possibilities are endless.
This Crispy Duck recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a testament to the fact that creating delicious, impressive dishes doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can elevate your weeknight dinner to something truly special. So, give it a try, and I promise you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
