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The Recipe · No.982 · Peking Duck

Peking Duck, and where to source it

Peking Duck — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Peking Duck Chinese 5best2buy.com

Everything rides on drying the skin. Scald it, coat it in a maltose-vinegar wash, and let it air-dry uncovered in the fridge for a full day so the skin roasts crackling-crisp instead of steaming flabby.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep1 hr
Cook1 hr 30 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Whole duck
A Pekin (Long Island) duck, 5-6 lb; a plump breast means more skin to crisp.
1 duck
Local / market
Maltose or honey
Maltose gives the deepest lacquer; thin it with hot water to brush on.
2 tbsp
Source it →
Chinese five-spice
Rubbed into the cavity, not the skin, so the outside stays clean for crisping.
1 tsp
Source it →
Mandarin pancakes
Thin steamed flour wrappers; buy frozen from an Asian grocer and steam to serve.
16
Local / market
Hoisin sauce
The sweet-savory smear; look for a brand with fermented soybean up front.
1/2 cup
Source it →
Scallions
Cut into fine matchsticks for the pancakes.
6
Source it →
Cucumber
Seeded and julienned for cool crunch against the rich duck.
1
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Sheet pan
The Method
  1. Prep and scaldRinse the duck, prick the skin, then pour boiling water over it until the skin tightens; pat dry.
  2. Glaze and dryBrush all over with maltose-vinegar wash and air-dry uncovered in the fridge 12-24 hours.
  3. Roast low then hotRoast at 325F breast-up until nearly done, then raise the heat to blister the skin deep amber.
  4. Rest and carveRest 15 minutes, then carve the crisp skin and meat into thin slices.
  5. AssembleSmear a warm pancake with hoisin, add duck, scallion, and cucumber, and roll.
The Toolkit

Roasting rack · Bamboo steamer · Cleaver

Straight Answers
Can you make Peking Duck in an air fryer? — Not really

Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.

Can you freeze Peking Duck? — Yes

Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.

Can you make Peking Duck ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Peking Duck gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Peking Duck vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.982

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