Food & Receipts

The Perfect Twist to a Classic: Roasted Duck, a Delicious Alternative

The mouth-watering, taste bud tantalizing dish of Sichuan-style braised duck in soy sauce is a culinary delight.

3 August, 2024

How to Choose a Delicious Ready-to-Eat Duck

To prepare a tasty duck in soy sauce, start by selecting fresh and enticing ducks. Also, check if the duck is healthy and disease-free. Inspect the duck’s skin color; if it’s delicious, the skin should be white or slightly yellowish, without tiny dots. Moreover, when you press the duck with your hand, the meat should feel firm and elastic, not soft and mushy. Soft and mushy meat indicates that the duck has been previously cooked and left unsold, which affects its freshness.

Additionally, a freshly slaughtered duck has a distinctive aroma, without any hint of rancidity. If you detect any strange odors, refrain from purchasing it.

A Tasty Twist: Braised Duck in Soy Sauce

Ingredients for Braised Duck in Soy Sauce:

1 duck weighing approximately 2kg, 8 slices of ginger, and scallions.

Spice bag: star anise, cinnamon, bay leaf, licorice, and dried tangerine peel.

Seasonings: 50ml cooking wine, 15ml soy sauce, 15ml dark soy sauce, and 150g rock sugar.

Cooking Instructions for Braised Duck in Soy Sauce:

Step 1: In a pot of cold water, add the scallions and ginger, then briefly scald the duck.

Step 2: Bring the water to a boil again, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook for 50 minutes. Afterward, remove the duck and place it in a clean water bath.

Step 3: Prepare a spice bag by combining the star anise, cinnamon, bay leaf, licorice, and dried tangerine peel. Seal the bag tightly.

Step 4: Heat oil in a pan, add the ginger and scallions, and fry until fragrant. Then, put the duck in the pan and fry until golden brown.

Step 5: Add just enough water to cover the duck, along with the spice bag and seasonings.

Note: During the braising process, continuously baste the duck with its own juices to ensure even cooking and a beautiful color. Braise the duck until tender, testing with a pair of chopsticks. Continue cooking until the sauce reduces and thickens, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Once the duck is cooked, allow it to cool before chopping it into pieces. Drizzle the sauce over the duck, and your braised duck in soy sauce is ready to be enjoyed with your loved ones and friends. Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions

A delicious alternative to the traditional roasted duck is to add a twist of orange and ginger. This combination of flavors creates a refreshing and unique taste that enhances the natural flavor of the duck.

To make the glaze, you will need orange marmalade, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Simply mix these ingredients together in a bowl and brush the glaze over the duck before roasting it in the oven.

It is important to score the duck skin and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and herbs to infuse extra flavor into the meat. Make sure to roast the duck at a high temperature to ensure crispy skin and juicy meat.

This roasted duck pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, as well as rice or quinoa pilaf. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the duck nicely.

Yes, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time. You can roast the duck a day in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. Alternatively, you can prepare the glaze and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply brush the glaze on the duck and reheat it when you are ready to serve.