Cooking duck seems simple, but many home cooks struggle with the distinctive gamey odor, toughness, and lack of sweetness in the meat. Apart from familiar ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and shallots, adding a common kitchen ingredient – the fragrant gourd – to the pot can make a surprising difference.
Why Does Fragrant Gourd Make a Difference With Duck?
Fragrant gourds contain abundant aromatic essential oils and water. When boiled, the active compounds in the gourd can:
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Neutralize foul odors: The natural fragrance of the gourd infuses the boiling water, completely masking the unpleasant gamey odor of duck meat.
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Purify and clarify the broth: The cooling and sweet properties of the gourd create a refreshing and easy-to-eat broth without any greasy feeling.
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Maintain and enhance the sweetness of the meat: The natural sweetness from the gourd penetrates the duck meat, making it tenderer and sweeter.
The Right Way to Boil Duck With Fragrant Gourd
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Duck preparation: Rub the duck with coarse salt, crushed ginger, and a bit of rice wine to eliminate odors. Rinse and pat dry.
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Preparing the pot: Fill the pot with water, covering the duck. Add a few slices of ginger, 2-3 grilled shallots, and some crushed lemongrass.
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Add the fragrant gourd: Cut a fresh fragrant gourd into small pieces and put them directly into the pot.
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Boil the duck: When the water boils, reduce to medium heat and cook for 25-30 minutes. During this process, the fragrant gourd releases its unique flavor, making the duck meat aromatic and sweet.
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Final touches: Remove the duck and immediately immerse it in cold water to tighten the skin and prevent cracking when chopped.
Tips for a More Delicious Duck Dish
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Combine a few leaves of lemon or eucalyptus for an even more aromatic dish.
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The broth resulting from boiling duck with fragrant gourd can be used for cooking bamboo shoots or poured over rice, creating a unique sweet and refreshing taste compared to regular boiling methods.
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For even tenderer duck meat, try this technique: “Boil once – turn off the heat – cover – turn on the heat after 15 minutes.” This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
With just a common fragrant gourd, home cooks can master the “golden” trick to eliminating the duck’s odor, resulting in meat that is five times tenderer and sweeter. This lesser-known tip is sure to impress your family and earn you culinary accolades.
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A mouth-watering, tender duck dish that’s free from any unpleasant odors? It’s possible! This simple trick ensures a sweet, soft meat with a pleasant aroma.
The secret to eliminating the unpleasant odor and ensuring thoroughly cooked meat when boiling duck lies in an unexpected ingredient that transforms this culinary challenge.
