Authentic Cantonese Roast Duck Recipe

Dish recipes: Cantonese Roast Duck

Cantonese Roast Duck is a traditional Chinese delicacy known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and savory flavors. Roasted to perfection, this dish captures the balance of sweet and savory with a unique marinade and glaze, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. While the preparation may take some time, the result is a beautifully aromatic roast duck that’s perfect for special occasions or celebrations.

Ingredients

Duck and Marinade

1 whole duck (4-5 lb / 1.8-2.2 kg), cleaned and patted dry

2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce

1 tbsp (15 ml) Shaoxing rice wine

1 tsp (5 g) five-spice powder

1 tbsp (15 g) salt

Glaze

2 tbsp (30 ml) maltose or honey

1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar

1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water

Stuffing (optional)

3-4 slices fresh ginger

2-3 green onions, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, and salt. Rub this marinade inside and outside the duck, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Set aside for 1-2 hours for the flavors to penetrate.

Prepare the Glaze Dissolve the maltose (or honey) in hot water, then add rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Stuff the Duck (Optional) Stuff the duck cavity with ginger slices, green onions, and garlic for added aroma. This step is optional but adds a delicious fragrance to the meat.

Dry the Duck Hang the duck in a cool, dry area or place it on a rack uncovered in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours to allow the skin to dry. This step is essential for achieving a crispy skin.

Apply the Glaze and Roast Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the duck evenly with the glaze, then place it on a roasting rack in the oven. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, brushing with additional glaze every 30 minutes, until the skin is dark golden and crispy.

Final Crisping (Optional) For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Serving

Let the roast duck rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve sliced alongside steamed rice or traditional Chinese pancakes, with hoisin sauce for dipping.

Cantonese Roast Duck is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Cantonese cuisine. With a bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality roast duck right at home, bringing a touch of authentic Chinese culinary art to your table.