Indulge in the exquisite flavors of China with our Cantonese Crispy Roast Duck, a tantalizing dish renowned for its succulent meat and crispy skin. Hailing from the culinary heartland of Guangdong Province, this iconic dish embodies centuries of tradition and craftsmanship.

Prepared with meticulous care, our roast duck is marinated with a secret blend of Chinese spices, imparting a rich and aromatic flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving for more. The duck is then expertly roasted to perfection, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown skin that crackles with each bite, while the meat remains tender and juicy.

Served with traditional accompaniments such as steamed buns, fragrant jasmine rice, and a savory hoisin sauce, every mouthful is a symphony of taste sensations, transporting you to the bustling streets of Guangzhou or Hong Kong.

Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece for a celebratory feast or as a comforting meal shared with loved ones, our Cantonese Crispy Roast Duck promises an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Chinese gastronomy.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maltose or corn syrup (optional, for extra glaze)
• Hoisin sauce, for serving
• Steamed buns or steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1- Rinse the duck thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat from the duck cavity.

2- In a small bowl, mix together the Chinese five-spice powder and salt. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the duck, including the cavity.

3- In a separate bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil to make the marinade. Brush this marinade all over the duck, ensuring it's evenly coated. If using maltose or corn syrup, drizzle it over the duck to create a glossy glaze.

4- Place the duck on a rack set over a roasting pan, breast side up. Allow the duck to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and develop the crispy skin.

5- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the duck from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats up.

6- Place the duck in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

7- Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

8- Carve the duck into serving portions and arrange on a platter. Serve the Cantonese Roast Duck with hoisin sauce on the side for dipping, along with steamed buns or steamed rice.

9- Enjoy your homemade Cantonese Roast Duck, savoring the crispy skin and succulent meat that is sure to delight your taste buds with every bite!

Note: Save any leftover duck fat for cooking or flavoring other dishes.

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cantonese Roast Duck recipe:

Whole Duck (4-5 pounds):

• Calories: 1,800 - 2,250 kcal
• Protein: 200 - 250 grams
• Fat: 120 - 150 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the size of the duck and how it's prepared.

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Chinese Five-Spice Powder (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

benefits:

• Contains a blend of spices such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, each offering unique health benefits.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of certain spices like cloves and cinnamon.
• Provides antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Salt (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.
• Helps regulate muscle contractions and nerve function.
• Provides flavor enhancement in cooking when used in moderation.

Honey (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 34 grams
• Fiber: 0.1 gram

benefits:

• Natural sweetener with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
• Can soothe sore throats and coughs due to its antibacterial properties.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams

benefits:

• Good source of protein and essential amino acids.
• Contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which may have protective effects against certain cancers and heart disease.
• Provides umami flavor and enhances the taste of dishes.

Shaoxing Wine (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor to dishes with its rich and aromatic profile.
• May have cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation, due to the presence of certain phenolic compounds.
• Enhances the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients in the body.

Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 4.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits:

• Contains healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health.
• Rich in antioxidants such as sesamol, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Adds a nutty flavor to dishes and enhances their aroma.

Maltose or Corn Syrup (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 16 grams

benefits:

• Provides sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze on the duck.
• Source of quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Hoisin Sauce (for serving):

• Nutritional values vary depending on the brand and serving size. Typically, hoisin sauce contains around 35 calories per tablespoon, with small amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor with its sweet, salty, and savory taste profile.
• Contains garlic and other herbs and spices, which may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can be a good source of certain vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as portion sizes, brands, and specific ingredients used. It's always a good idea to check product labels for accurate nutritional information, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.