Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor. With a long history, it is considered one of China’s most famous and iconic dishes. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a first-timer in Chinese cuisine, tasting a delicious Peking duck meal is an unforgettable experience. This article will delve into the origins of Peking duck, how it is prepared, its characteristics, and the restaurants that serve the best Peking duck, to gain insight into what makes this dish so extraordinary.
Origin of Peking Duck
The history of Peking duck dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when it originated in the imperial kitchen in Beijing. Initially, it was only enjoyed by the royal family, but later it was introduced to the public as a luxurious dish. With the rise of Peking duck restaurants, roast duck has become an integral part of Chinese culture.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the preparation of Peking duck evolved into a more sophisticated culinary art. Skilled chefs worked tirelessly to perfect the dish, striving to perfectly combine the crispy duck skin with the tender duck meat.
By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Peking duck was considered one of the top dishes in the Beijing court and its popularity continued to grow. Over time, it became a symbol of Beijing’s culinary tradition and remains a must-try dish for all visitors to China.
Features of premium Peking duck
1. Crispy skin
The hallmark of premium Peking duck is its crispy, golden skin. Creating this perfect skin requires precise roasting techniques. The skin must be thin and crispy, yet still fluffy and airy. During the roasting process, air needs to be injected into the duck to separate the skin from the fat, ensuring that the fat melts during the roasting process.
2. Juicy and tender
The meat of premium Peking duck is tender and juicy, with a rich and delicious taste. The marinating process begins with the marinating of the duck meat, which helps to give it its unique aroma. The duck is then slowly roasted to ensure that the duck meat remains moist and juicy while the fat is fully released.
3. Pairing suggestions
The traditional side dishes of Peking duck are thin pancakes (called “bao”), hoisin sauce, and shredded vegetables such as cucumbers and scallions. The crispy skin, tender meat, and delicious sauce are a perfect combination of flavor and taste. The pancake is the perfect container for the duck and vegetables, making every bite a delightful experience.
4. Exquisite roasting technique
Roasting is one of the key steps in cooking a first-rate Peking duck. Traditionally, the duck was roasted in a wood-fired oven, which gave the duck meat and skin a unique flavor. Modern roasting techniques, including roasting in a dedicated oven, aim to replicate the same effect while maintaining the consistency of the duck meat.
How Peking Duck is Made
1. Selecting the Duck
Cooking a first-rate Peking duck starts with selecting the duck. Peking ducks are generally known for their tender meat and rich fat. These ducks are raised specifically for cooking Peking duck and are fed special feed to ensure that the duck meat and fat achieve the ideal taste and flavor.
2. Preparing the Duck
The duck is carefully cleaned and the skin is pierced to release the fat during the roasting process. The duck is then marinated with a mixture of spices such as allspice, maltose syrup and vinegar. This step is essential to enhance the umami flavor of the meat and ensure that the skin crisps up during the roasting process.
3. Aerating the Duck
One of the steps in making Peking duck is to aerate the duck. A small amount of air is injected under the duck skin to help the skin separate from the fat. This process ensures that the fat is released during the roasting process, making the duck skin crispier and the meat more delicious.
4. Roasting the Duck
Traditionally, roast duck is roasted in a wood-fired oven, which allows the fat to slowly release while crisping the skin. Roasting duck takes a long time, usually about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the duck. During the roasting process, a special glaze is applied to the duck meat to give it a golden glow.
5. Serving the Duck
Once the duck meat is roasted to perfection, the chef slices it into thin slices. The duck skin is usually served separately from the duck meat, as it is the most precious part of the dish. The duck meat is also sliced thinly and served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and vegetables.
Best Places to Enjoy Peking Duck
1. Quanjude
Located in Beijing, Quanjude is one of the most famous Peking duck restaurants in China. Established in 1864, it has a long history of serving high-quality Peking duck to locals and tourists. The restaurant is known for its meticulous cooking methods and its adherence to the art of roasting duck in a traditional wood-fired oven.
Quanjude is known for its deliciously crispy roast duck and attentive service. It is a frequent destination for those who want to enjoy authentic Peking duck in a traditional setting.
2. Dadong
Another famous Peking duck restaurant in Beijing, Dadong is known for its modern interpretation of this classic dish. Dadong focuses on serving leaner ducks, with an emphasis on freshness and quality. The restaurant’s chefs use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that each duck is roasted to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat.
Famous for its elegant plating and sophisticated atmosphere, Dadong is undoubtedly an excellent choice for diners who seek a high-end dining experience and Peking duck.
3. All-Duck Season (Beijing Dadong)
Beijing’s All-Duck Season is an upscale modern restaurant that offers a unique take on traditional Peking duck. The restaurant combines traditional roasting techniques with innovative cooking methods to create the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. In addition, the restaurant offers a variety of side dishes, including creative vegetables and sauces to complement the deliciousness of the roast duck.
Known for its luxurious atmosphere and fusion of modern and traditional, All-Duck Season is a favorite among food lovers and tourists seeking a refined Peking duck experience.
4. Sichuan Restaurant (Sichuan Hotel)
Located in the heart of Beijing, Sichuan Restaurant offers a more regional take on Peking duck. The restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine, but also serves Peking duck roasted to perfection and served with traditional accompaniments. The Sichuan Restaurant’s Peking duck has a slightly spicy flavor, offering an exciting change for adventurous diners.
5. Peking Duck House (New York, USA)
For diners outside of China, the Peking Duck House in New York is one of the best places to experience this iconic dish. Renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, this restaurant perfectly recreates the traditional Peking duck using premium duck and superb roasting techniques. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, and is committed to providing an authentic dining experience.
Peking Duck House has won praise from food critics and diners alike for its insistence on authentic ingredients and the excellent quality of its duck meat.
Cultural Significance of Peking Duck
Peking duck holds a special place in Chinese culture. Peking duck is often served at important celebrations such as weddings, festivals and Chinese New Year. In Chinese society, sharing Peking duck with friends and family symbolizes unity and good luck. The preparation and consumption of Peking duck also highlights the importance of skill and craftsmanship in Chinese cooking.
This dish is more than just delicious. It represents the evolution of cooking over the centuries and is a testament to the superb skills of Chinese chefs. Every slice of roast duck, every bite of crispy duck skin, reflects the tradition, superb skills and cultural heritage that make Peking duck one of the most popular dishes in the world.
Conclusion
The best Peking Duck is more than just a meal—it is an experience. From its rich history and meticulous preparation to its crispy skin and tender meat, Peking Duck remains a symbol of Chinese culinary excellence. Whether you are enjoying it in the heart of Beijing or at a renowned restaurant abroad, this dish will always offer a taste of tradition and craftsmanship.
If you are looking to indulge in one of the best versions of Peking Duck, seek out the most reputable restaurants that maintain traditional techniques while embracing modern innovations. No matter where you experience it, the allure of Peking Duck will always leave you craving for more.
Related topics: