Beijing Roast Duck

"Beijing Roast Duck" is one of China's traditional dishes, representative of Beijing cuisine and known as "China's number one roasted food". It is also one of the essential dishes for domestic and foreign travelers visiting Beijing. Next, we will detail the history, characteristics, production process and way of consumption of Beijing Roast Duck.

Origin of Beijing Roast Duck

The history of Beijing Roast Duck dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, when there were many merchants from Anhui and Yangzhou who traveled to Beijing and enjoyed eating roast duck. This prompted the opening of numerous roast duck restaurants in Beijing. During the Ming Dynasty, in the Wanli era, Beijing roast duck had already become a very popular dish at court. During the Qing Dynasty, in the Qianlong era, Beijing roast duck officially became a dish of the imperial court, and since then it was gradually passed down among the citizens of Beijing.

Features of Beijing Roast Duck

Beijing Roast Duck has a golden and crispy appearance on the outside, with tender and juicy meat on the inside, with a rich aroma and distinctive flavor, being one of the representatives of the Chinese roasting technique.

The skin of Beijing Roast Duck is golden and crispy but not greasy, with a layer of fat under the skin that is not heavy, and the duck meat is tender but not fibrous, with a delicious flavor and soft texture.

Usually, Beijing Roast Duck is cut into thin slices with skin and meat together, and then accompanied with chopped green onion, cucumber slices, sweet bean sauce, among other ingredients, to roll the slices into thin pancakes before to eat. Duck bones can also be used to make soup, making it a classic dish that combines color, aroma, flavor and shape in one.

Preparation of Beijing Roast Duck

The preparation of Beijing Roast Duck requires selected ducks and the special oven. The ducks usually weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 kilograms and is chosen from those raised in small areas, fed a nutrient-rich diet to ensure tender but not greasy meat. The oven to roast the duck must have adequate heat and be uniform, since control of heat and time is essential in its preparation.

The main steps to make Beijing Roast Duck:

1. Remove the guts and wing tips of the duck, wash it with boiling water, and then soak it in a mixture of water with white wine, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and other spices for 2-3 hours to absorb the flavors good.
2. Dry the marinated duck and then fill its cavity with onion, ginger, cooking wine, salt and other seasonings. Tie the duck's neck tightly with rope and then hang it in the oven with a special duck holder.
3. The oven must have a precise temperature, and experience and skill are required to control the fire, which is lit with firewood and charcoal from fruit trees. The duck is usually roasted by turning in the oven for about 30 minutes and then moved to the center of the oven for another 15 minutes or so, until the skin of the duck becomes golden brown and crispy in texture.
4. Once roasted, remove the duck from the oven and cut the skin and meat into thin slices. It is then placed on a thin tortilla along with chopped onion, cucumber slices, sweet bean sauce, among other ingredients, to be rolled up and eaten.

How to Eat Beijing Roast Duck

There are many ways to eat Beijing Roast Duck. The most classic way is to roll the sliced of duck skin and meat into a thin tortilla, along with chopped onion, cucumber slices, sweet bean sauce and other ingredients. The tortilla is rolled into a long cylinder to eat, this shape is also known as "sautéed duck with onion". Also, another popular way is to make soup with the duck bones.

Although there are various ways to eat Beijing Roast Duck, they all require an appropriate combination of ingredients and seasonings to achieve a delicious flavor and soft texture of the duck meat. In addition, Beijing Roast Duck has a high nutritional value, being rich in proteins and fats, so its moderate consumption can provide the necessary nutrients for the body.

Why You Should Try Beijing Roast Duck?

Beijing Roast Duck is one of the most prominent representatives of traditional Chinese food, with an ancient history and a unique preparation process. It is one of the essential dishes for domestic and foreign tourists visiting Beijing. Local residents and tourists alike can experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture and cuisine by trying Beijing Roast Duck.

Where to Eat Beijing Roast Duck

In Beijing, there are many authentic shops that offer this dish, such as Quanjude, Dadong, Xiangmanlou, among others. Each one has its own unique style and flavor, so you can choose the restaurant that best suits your personal taste.

Learn to Make Beijing Roast Duck

Additionally, you can also participate in Beijing Roast Duck DIY activities, becoming personally involved in the making process, allowing for a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural background. Both by tasting and preparing this dish, you can enjoy culinary pleasure and experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture and its cuisine.

Beijing Roast Duck, as one of the representatives of traditional Chinese food, has unique craftsmanship and deep cultural background. It is not only a common dish among local residents, but also one of the must-try delicacies for domestic and foreign tourists visiting Beijing. By savoring Beijing Roast Duck, you not only enjoy the culinary flavor, but also experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture and cuisine, providing an invaluable cultural experience.