Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce Recipe – Chinese Special
Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce is a show-stopping classic of Chinese cuisine, combining crackling roasted duck skin with juicy meat and rich Asian flavors. This homemade Chinese recipe offers the perfect sweet-tart balance and makes a festive dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent. It’s the ideal main dish to impress at any special gathering.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time2 hr
- Total Time2 hr 20 min
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (or 2 duck legs)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For the Plum Sauce:
- 6–8 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ cup water
Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce Instructions:
Pat duck dry completely and prick skin all over with a sharp knife (avoid piercing the meat).
Rub duck with salt and five-spice; brush with soy sauce.
Place duck on a rack — roast at 180°C / 350°F for 1 hr 30 mins until skin is crisp.
Brush with honey during the final 10 minutes for a caramelized finish.
For the plum sauce:
Simmer plums, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and water for 10–12 mins until soft.
Blend or mash to desired smoothness; simmer again to thicken.
Serve crispy duck sliced, drizzled with plum sauce.
Recipe Notes :
For extra-crispy skin, let the duck air-dry in the refrigerator for a few hours before roasting.
Use whole duck or duck legs depending on how many you’re serving.
A roasting rack helps render fat and keeps the skin crisp.
Adjust the plum glaze sweetness with more or less sugar based on the plums’ tartness.
Let the duck rest before slicing to keep the meat tender and juicy.
