北京烤鸭

What is Peking Duck?

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) is arguably China's most celebrated culinary export, with a history dating back to the imperial era. The dish features a whole duck that has been specially bred, air-dried, and roasted in a closed oven or over open fire until the skin becomes mahogany-colored, crispy, and glistening. Traditional preparation takes several days: the duck is inflated with air to separate the skin from the flesh, then glazed with maltose syrup before roasting. The result is legendary crispy skin that crackles like paper, paired with tender, juicy meat beneath.

Ingredients

Common ingredients in Peking Duck include:

• Whole duck
• Maltose syrup (for glazing)
• Thin wheat pancakes
• Scallions (julienned)
• Cucumber (julienned)
• Sweet bean sauce (甜面酱)
• Hoisin sauce (sometimes)

What does Peking Duck taste like?

Peking Duck offers a remarkable textural contrast: the skin is extraordinarily crispy and rendered of most fat, shattering between your teeth, while the meat underneath remains succulent and flavorful. Wrapped in a thin pancake with scallions and cucumber, the experience combines crispy skin, tender meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic sauce in each bite. The scallions provide a sharp bite that cuts through the richness, while the sweet bean sauce adds depth and a hint of sweetness that harmonizes with the duck's natural savoriness.

Is Peking Duck spicy?

No, Peking Duck is not spicy. There are no chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns used in the traditional preparation. The sweetness comes from the maltose glaze and sweet bean sauce. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to avoid heat entirely.

What should travelers know?

Peking Duck is considered a premium dish — expect to pay more than for ordinary dishes. It's traditionally served in courses: first, the crispy skin is presented and eaten with pancake and sauce; then the meat is carved and served; finally, the remaining meat might be stir-fried with vegetables. Most restaurants require advance ordering (half a day or more) for a whole duck. For travelers, 'instant' versions are available at many Beijing restaurants that don't require pre-ordering. Look for 烤鸭 on menus. The dish is typically shared among 2-4 people.

Common Allergens

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Peking Duck?

  Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) is China's most famous duck dish, featuring a whole roasted duck with extraordinarily crispy skin. It's traditionally served wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions and sweet bean sauce.

• Is Peking Duck spicy?

  No, Peking Duck is not spicy at all. The sweetness comes from maltose syrup glazing and sweet bean sauce. It's an excellent choice if you want to avoid heat.

• How is Peking Duck served?

  Traditional service involves three courses: first, the crispy skin is served with pancake and sauce; second, the meat is carved and served; third, leftover meat may be stir-fried with vegetables. The duck is shared among the table.

• Does Peking Duck contain gluten?

  Yes, the thin pancakes used to wrap the duck are made from wheat flour, containing gluten. The sweet bean sauce also typically contains gluten. If you have a gluten intolerance, you'll need to skip the pancakes or request a gluten-free alternative.