Cantonese Roast Duck Recipe – Chinese Special
Cantonese Roast Duck is a classic dish from Cantonese cuisine, celebrated for its crispy duck skin and tender, juicy meat. The duck is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatic five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection. Brushed with a hoisin glaze or honey for a shiny, caramelized finish, this Chinese roast duck makes a showstopping main course for family meals, festive gatherings, or special occasions.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time1 hr
- Perform Time5 hr
- Total Time6 hr 30 min
Cantonese Roast Duck Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck (about 2–2.5 kg / 4–5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Honey or maltose syrup for glazing
Cantonese Roast Duck Instructions:
Clean the duck thoroughly and pat dry; remove excess fat from cavity.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, green onions, and sesame oil to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade all over the duck, inside and out; let it marinate for 4–6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the duck with honey or maltose syrup for a glossy, crispy skin.
Roast the duck on a rack for about 1 hour, basting occasionally, until the skin is golden brown and meat is cooked through.
Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, buns, or Chinese pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Recipe Notes :
Marination Tips: Marinate the duck for at least 4–6 hours or overnight to infuse maximum flavor.
Roasting Technique: Roast the duck on a rack to allow fat to drip away, ensuring even cooking.
Skin Crispiness: Brush with honey or maltose syrup before roasting for that signature golden, crispy skin.
Make Ahead: Prep the marinade and marinate the duck in advance to save time on cooking day.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, Chinese pancakes, or buns, and hoisin sauce for a traditional experience.
