Peking Duck — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

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.

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

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Chinese five-spice

Rubbed into the cavity, not the skin, so the outside stays clean for crisping.

1 tsp

Local / market

Mandarin pancakes

Thin steamed flour wrappers; buy frozen from an Asian grocer and steam to serve.

Local / market

Hoisin sauce

The sweet-savory smear; look for a brand with fermented soybean up front.

1/2 cup

Local / market

Scallions

Cut into fine matchsticks for the pancakes.

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Cucumber

Seeded and julienned for cool crunch against the rich duck.

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

Prep and scaldRinse the duck, prick the skin, then pour boiling water over it until the skin tightens; pat dry.
Glaze and dryBrush all over with maltose-vinegar wash and air-dry uncovered in the fridge 12-24 hours.
Roast low then hotRoast at 325F breast-up until nearly done, then raise the heat to blister the skin deep amber.
Rest and carveRest 15 minutes, then carve the crisp skin and meat into thin slices.
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 · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.987

Peking Duck, and where to source it