stewed duck with perilla

How to Make Braised Duck with Perilla

Braised Duck with Perilla is a flavorful, comforting dish that blends tender duck with the aromatic essence of perilla leaves. Here’s a simple guide to recreate this culinary delight at home.

Ingredients: 1 duck (about 1.5 kg, cut into pieces), 20 fresh perilla leaves, 3 ginger slices, 5 garlic cloves, 2 dried chilies, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup rice wine, and sesame oil for finishing.

Steps:

1. Prep the Duck: Rinse duck pieces and pat dry. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities; drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, and dried chilies until fragrant.

3. Brown the Duck: Add duck pieces and sear until golden on all sides. Pour in rice wine and let it evaporate slightly.

4. Simmer: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar with 1 cup water. Pour over the duck, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Perilla: Gently tuck perilla leaves into the wok during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Avoid overmixing to preserve their texture.

6. Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with steamed rice.

This dish balances the duck’s richness with perilla’s unique, slightly minty notes, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!