Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on December 2, 2023

Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine. It is a savory and crispy dish that is prepared with a mixture of duck, soy sauce, and other ingredients. The duck is pressed between two hot plates to create a delicious crispy skin that is then served with a flavorful sauce. 

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It is a great dish to serve to guests or to enjoy as a family meal.

What is Chinese Pressed Duck?

Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is a dish where the duck is pressed between two hot plates to create a crispy and savory skin. 

The duck is then seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and other ingredients. This creates a flavorful and crunchy dish that is enjoyed by many. The dish is usually served with a flavorful sauce or on its own.

What Does It Taste Like?

Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe has a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The soy sauce gives it a salty and umami flavor. The duck is crispy and crunchy on the outside while the inside is juicy and tender. The garlic and other ingredients give it a fragrant aroma and a unique flavor.

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Ingredients

• 2 Fresh Ducks (each weighing 2 1/2 pounds): The main protein source for the dish, carefully selected for their quality and freshness to ensure a flavorful and tender outcome.
• 2 Cups of High-Quality Cooking Oil: Chosen for its ability to enhance the duck’s rich flavor and to achieve the desired crispiness when preparing the dish.
• 8 Tablespoons of Premium Corn Starch: Ensures a perfect coating for the duck, providing a delightful texture and helping to achieve a crispy exterior.
• 6 Tablespoons of Hand-Crushed Almonds: Provides a delightful crunch and introduces nutty undertones to the dish, adding both texture and flavor.
• 4 Tablespoons of Finely Selected Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory notes to the dish, contributing to the overall umami flavor profile.
• An appropriate quantity of Chinese Rice Wine: Maintains the authentic essence of the recipe, infusing the dish with subtle and complementary flavors.
• 2 Tablespoons of Freshly Harvested Ginger: Grated to infuse a zesty kick, adding a fresh and aromatic element to the dish that complements the richness of the duck.
• 4 Tablespoons of Artisanal Oyster Sauce: Crafted for a balance of sweet and umami flavors, enhancing the overall taste and providing a savory depth to the dish.
• 1/2 Cup of Homemade Duck Stock: Prepared to elevate the dish with a rich and savory base, intensifying the duck’s flavor and contributing to a more complex taste experience.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for the initial cooking process and ensures the ducks will be cooked to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Ducks:

Clean and pat dry the fresh ducks, removing excess fat and skin. Truss the ducks to maintain a compact shape, essential for the pressing process that follows.

Step 3: Coat with Corn Starch:

In a bowl, evenly coat the ducks with premium corn starch. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture during cooking. Make sure the ducks are well-covered for optimal results.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil:

In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat high-quality cooking oil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens, as the ducks will be deep-fried to golden perfection.

Step 5: Deep Fry the Ducks:

Carefully lower the coated ducks into the hot oil, allowing them to fry until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes per duck.

Step 6: Remove and Drain:

Once fried to perfection, delicately remove the ducks and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, hand-crushed almonds, freshly harvested ginger, Chinese rice wine, artisanal oyster sauce, and homemade duck stock. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, infusing it with rich flavors.

Step 8: Coat Ducks with Sauce:

Brush the fried ducks generously with the prepared sauce, ensuring each duck is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 9: Press the Ducks:

Place the sauced ducks into a press, either a traditional duck press or an improvised method. Apply pressure to compress the ducks, allowing them to sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step enhances the texture and flavor profile of the dish.

Step 10: Slice and Serve:

After pressing, carefully slice the ducks, arranging them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for an added burst of flavor.

Step 11: Garnish and Enjoy:

Garnish the Chinese Pressed Duck with additional hand-crushed almonds and freshly chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot, allowing your guests to savor the rich flavors and delightful textures of this meticulously prepared dish.

Tips

Here are some tips for making the perfect Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe:

– Use a high-quality duck for the best results.
– Make sure to press the duck for 10-15 minutes for a crispy skin.
– Cook the duck in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
– Serve the duck with a flavorful sauce or on its own.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe contains approximately 400 calories. It is a good source of protein and contains some vitamins and minerals.

What to Serve with Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe

Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is a savory and flavorful dish. Here are some delicious sides to serve with this dish:

• Steamed Rice: Steamed rice provides the perfect accompaniment to the duck.
• Stir-Fried Greens: Stir-fried greens such as bok choy are a great side to serve with the duck.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect way to balance out the savory duck.
• Soup: A light and flavorful soup is the perfect way to start the meal.
• Fried Rice: Fried rice is a delicious and satisfying side dish.

How to Store Leftover Chinese Pressed Duck?

Leftover Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The duck can also be frozen for up to three months.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe?

There are a few substitutes that can be used in Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe. Here are some alternatives:

• Chicken: Chicken can be used in place of the duck for a lighter version of the dish.
• Pork: Pork can be substituted for the duck to create a different flavor.
• Tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative to the duck.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms can be used as a meat-free substitute for the duck.
• Vegetables: Vegetables such as bell peppers and eggplant can be used in place of the duck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe?

The best way to cook Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is to press the duck between two hot plates for 10-15 minutes to create a crispy skin. Then, place the duck in a preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes.

What kind of sauce should I serve with Chinese Pressed Duck?

You can serve Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe with a flavorful sauce such as a soy-based sauce or a spicy chili sauce.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives to Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe?

Yes, there are vegetarian alternatives to Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe. Tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables such as bell peppers and eggplant can be used in place of the duck.

Is Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe healthy?

Yes, Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is a healthy dish. It is a good source of protein and contains some vitamins and minerals.

What other sides can I serve with Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe?

You can serve Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe with a variety of sides such as steamed rice, stir-fried greens, cucumber salad, soup, and fried rice.

Is Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe easy to make?

Yes, Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in a short amount of time.

Conclusion

Chinese Pressed Duck Recipe is a savory and crispy dish that is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The duck is pressed between two hot plates to create a delicious crispy skin that is then served with a flavorful sauce. 

Serve it with a variety of sides such as steamed rice, stir-fried greens, cucumber salad, soup, and fried rice. Enjoy!

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