Salted duck practice complete

How to Make Salt-Baked Duck: A Step-by-Step Guide

Salt-baked duck is a Cantonese delicacy prized for its crispy skin, tender meat, and savory aroma. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting this dish at home.

Ingredients: 1 whole duck (1.5-2 kg), sea salt (2 cups), Sichuan peppercorns (1 tbsp), star anise (2), ginger (3 slices), scallions (2), cooking wine (2 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tbsp).

Steps:

1. Prepare the Duck: Rinse the duck and pat dry. Rub with cooking wine and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Salt Mixture: Mix sea salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and minced ginger. Rub this mixture evenly inside and outside the duck.

3. Seal and Bake: Stuff the duck with ginger and scallions. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper, then seal in a clay pot or oven-safe dish. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 1.5–2 hours, until the skin is golden and the meat is tender.

4. Finish and Serve: Unwrap, increase heat to 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Brush with sesame oil, carve, and serve hot with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar.

Tips: Use coarse sea salt for better texture. Rest the duck for 10 minutes before carving to retain juices. This method guarantees a restaurant-quality result, blending simplicity with rich flavors. Enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy with family and friends!

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