This Chinese 5 spice roast duck is a flavorful dish that combines the aromatic spices of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. The result is a succulent duck with crispy skin and a rich, savory flavor.
The recipe is straightforward and involves marinating the duck in a blend of spices and sauces before roasting it to perfection. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Preparing the Perfect Roast Duck
Creating a beautifully roasted duck begins with selecting the right ingredients. A whole duck, ideally weighing between 4-5 pounds, is essential for achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat.
Start by gathering the necessary spices and sauces. The unique blend of Chinese 5 spice powder, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil will infuse the duck with rich flavors. Don’t forget salt and black pepper for seasoning. These ingredients work together to create a marinade that enhances the duck’s natural taste.
Marinating the Duck
Marination is a key step in this process. Once the marinade is prepared, rub it generously over the entire duck, ensuring every crevice is coated, including the cavity. This step is crucial for flavor penetration.
After marinating, cover the duck and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the spices to meld beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Roasting Techniques
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the duck on a roasting rack in a pan. This setup allows the heat to circulate evenly, promoting even cooking.
Roast the duck for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. To achieve that coveted crispy skin, baste the duck with its own juices every 30 minutes. This technique keeps the meat moist while enhancing the skin’s texture.
Finishing Touches
Once the duck reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is succulent.
Before serving, garnish the duck with freshly chopped green onions. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the rich meat.
Serving Suggestions
Present the roasted duck on a wooden cutting board for a rustic touch. Surround it with fresh cucumber slices, which provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the duck.
For an authentic experience, serve the duck with a small bowl of soy sauce. This simple addition enhances the dish, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.
Creating a Rustic Dining Experience
The setting in which you serve this dish can elevate the entire dining experience. A rustic kitchen backdrop enhances the appeal of the beautifully roasted duck, making it a centerpiece that draws attention.
Consider using natural materials like wood and stone for serving platters and utensils. This not only complements the dish but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Delicious Chinese 5 Spice Duck Recipe
This roast duck is marinated in a mixture of Chinese 5 spice powder, soy sauce, and honey, then roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese 5 spice powder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cucumber slices (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the Chinese 5 spice powder, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Duck: Rub the marinade all over the duck, including inside the cavity. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast the Duck: Place the duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste Occasionally: Baste the duck with its own juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the duck rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with cucumber slices if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g