If you’ve ever experienced the deliciousness of Peking duck, you’ll know that it’s a dish that’s best savored fresh out of the oven. However, if you’ve got some leftovers sitting in your fridge, don’t worry – with the right technique, you can reheat your Peking duck and enjoy it just as much as the first time around. In this article, we’ll take you through what Peking duck is, the best ways to store it, and three different methods for reheating it to perfection. Read on!
What is Peking Duck and Why is it So Popular?
Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish that originated in Beijing over 600 years ago. It’s made by roasting a whole duck until the skin is crispy and golden-brown, and the meat is tender and succulent. The duck is typically served wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumbers, and a sweet bean sauce. Peking duck has become incredibly popular outside of China in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why – the combination of crispy skin and tender meat is simply irresistible.
One of the reasons for the popularity of Peking duck is its unique preparation process. The duck is first inflated with air to separate the skin from the fat, which helps to create the crispy texture. It is then glazed with a mixture of honey and soy sauce, which gives it a sweet and savory flavor. The duck is roasted in a special oven that is heated with fruitwood, such as apple or pear, which adds a subtle smoky flavor to the meat. This intricate preparation process results in a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
The Best Ways to Store Leftover Peking Duck
If you’ve got leftover Peking duck, the first thing you need to do is store it properly. The key to keeping the skin crispy and the meat moist is to avoid letting the duck sit in its own juices. Here are two ways you can store leftover Peking duck:
- Wrap the duck tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Place the duck on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered. This will allow air to circulate around the duck and prevent it from getting soggy.
It’s important to note that leftover Peking duck should be consumed within 2-3 days of being stored. If you’re not able to finish it within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it. To freeze leftover Peking duck, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
How to Reheat Peking Duck in the Oven
The oven is the best tool for reheating Peking duck, as it allows the skin to crisp up again while the meat stays moist. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Remove the duck from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the duck on a wire rack over a baking sheet and roast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.
- Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
It is important to note that reheating Peking duck in the oven may cause the skin to become too crispy and hard. To prevent this, you can cover the duck with foil during the first few minutes of reheating and then remove it for the last few minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
Another option for reheating Peking duck is to use a steamer. This method will keep the meat moist and tender, but the skin may not be as crispy as when using the oven. To steam the duck, place it in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
How to Reheat Peking Duck on the Stovetop
Reheating Peking duck on the stovetop is a good option if you don’t have access to an oven. However, it’s harder to get the skin crispy using this method. Here’s what you need to do:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the duck from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the duck skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the duck over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.
- Remove the duck from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
While reheating Peking duck on the stovetop is a good option, it’s important to note that it may not be as effective as reheating it in an oven. The oven allows for more even heating and can help to maintain the crispiness of the skin. However, if you don’t have access to an oven, the stovetop method is a great alternative.
Another tip to keep in mind when reheating Peking duck is to avoid using a microwave. Microwaving the duck can cause the skin to become rubbery and the meat to become tough. It’s best to use the stovetop or oven method to ensure that the duck is heated through properly and maintains its delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating Peking Duck in a Microwave: Is it Possible?
While it is possible to reheat Peking duck in the microwave, we don’t recommend it. The microwaves will zap the moisture out of the duck, leaving it dry and tough. However, if you must use the microwave, here’s how to do it:
- Place the duck on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave the duck on high for 30-second intervals until it’s heated through.
- Let the duck rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
Alternatively, you can reheat Peking duck in the oven for a better result. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the duck on a baking sheet. Cover the duck with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
It’s important to note that reheating Peking duck multiple times can affect its quality and taste. It’s best to only reheat it once and consume it immediately after reheating.
Expert Tips for Keeping Your Reheated Peking Duck Crispy
If you’re reheating Peking duck, you want to make sure that the skin stays crispy and the meat stays moist. Here are a few tips:
- Let the duck come to room temperature before reheating it. This will help it cook more evenly.
- Use a wire rack over a baking sheet when reheating in the oven. This will allow air to circulate around the duck and prevent it from getting soggy.
- Don’t overcook the duck – it should only take a few minutes to reheat.
Another tip to keep in mind is to avoid reheating the duck in the microwave. Microwaving can make the skin rubbery and the meat tough. Instead, use a conventional oven or a toaster oven to reheat the duck.
Additionally, if you have leftover sauce from the original dish, you can use it to baste the duck while reheating. This will help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Reheated Peking Duck
Once your Peking duck is reheated, you can serve it in the traditional way – wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumbers, and a sweet bean sauce. Alternatively, you can use the duck in other dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, or noodle soups. The possibilities are endless – let your creativity run wild!
If you want to add a bit of crunch to your Peking duck, you can also serve it with crispy lettuce leaves or deep-fried wonton wrappers. Another option is to use the duck meat as a filling for steamed buns or dumplings, which can be a great appetizer or snack.
For a more fusion-style dish, you can try using the Peking duck in tacos, quesadillas, or even pizza toppings. The rich, savory flavor of the duck pairs well with spicy or tangy ingredients, such as jalapenos, pickled onions, or hoisin sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique Peking duck recipe!
Other Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Peking Duck
If you’ve got leftover Peking duck and don’t want to reheat it, there are plenty of other ways you can use it. Here are a few ideas:
- Shred the duck and use it as a topping for pizza or tacos.
- Add the duck to a fried rice dish.
- Make a duck and vegetable stir-fry.
- Use the duck in a noodle soup.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy Peking duck again and again. So why not go ahead and order that whole duck next time you’re at your favorite Chinese restaurant – you know you’ll be able to make the most of any leftovers!
Another great way to use leftover Peking duck is to make a savory duck sandwich. Simply slice the duck thinly and layer it on a crusty baguette with some fresh greens, sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. You can also add some sliced jalapenos or pickled vegetables for an extra kick of flavor. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
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