Fragrant Crispy Duck with Special Jiangsu Marinade

Introduction:

The fragrant crispy duck is a classic dish in Jiangsu cuisine, which has a long history and rich cultural heritage. This dish is characterized by its crispy skin, tender meat, and the unique flavor of the special Jiangsu marinade. In this article, I will guide you through the preparation of this delicious dish, providing detailed instructions for each step to ensure that you can cook it perfectly at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 1.5 kg)
• 500g honey
• 300ml soy sauce
• 100ml rice wine
• 50g sugar
• 50g rock sugar
• 50g salt
• 20g Sichuan pepper
• 20g star anise
• 10g cinnamon
• 10g cloves
• 10g fennel seeds
• 10g ginger slices
• 10g garlic slices
• 5g dried tangerine peel
• 5g dried red chili peppers
• 5g dried Chinese dates
• 5g dried lotus seeds
• Note: The above ingredients are for one serving. If you need to prepare more servings, please adjust the quantity accordingly.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Duck: First, clean the duck thoroughly, removing any excess fat and feathers. Then, use a sharp knife to make small incisions on the surface of the duck. This helps to ensure that the marinade penetrates the meat evenly. After cleaning, rinse the duck under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Making the Marinade: Next, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, rock sugar, salt, Sichuan pepper, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, ginger slices, garlic slices, dried tangerine peel, dried red chili peppers, dried Chinese dates, and dried lotus seeds in a large bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined. This mixture forms the base of the special Jiangsu marinade.
3. Marinating the Duck: Place the cleaned duck into the prepared marinade and rub the marinade all over the duck’s surface, ensuring that every part is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
4. Roasting the Duck: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the duck from the marinade and place it on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade. Turn the duck halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. Once the duck is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
5. Serving: Serve the fragrant crispy duck hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs or vegetables for added color and freshness. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that this traditional Jiangsu dish offers.

Tips:

• Ensure that the duck is thoroughly cleaned before marination to prevent any off-flavors.
• Use a sharp knife to make small incisions on the duck’s surface to enhance the absorption of the marinade.
• Refrigerate the marinated duck for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Baste the duck occasionally during roasting to ensure that it remains moist and flavorful.
• Turn the duck halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting and a golden-brown, crispy skin.
• Let the roasted duck rest for about 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Nutritional Information:

Conclusion:

The fragrant crispy duck with special Jiangsu marinade is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recreate this delicious dish at home and enjoy its unique flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!