Hoisin duck is a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed taste of hoisin sauce with the tender, juicy texture of duck. A staple in Chinese cuisine, hoisin duck is most commonly associated with Peking duck, where crispy duck skin and succulent meat are served with soft pancakes, scallions, and cucumber. However, hoisin duck is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, from stir-fries to rice bowls and even tacos.
This dish is perfect for those who love bold Asian flavors. The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices creates a glaze that enhances the natural richness of the duck. Whether roasted, pan-seared, or slow-cooked, hoisin duck delivers a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make hoisin duck from scratch, including cooking techniques, variations, serving ideas, and expert tips to achieve the perfect dish every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Savory, and Slightly Sweet – The deep umami flavor of hoisin sauce combined with tender duck makes this dish irresistible.
- Perfectly Crispy Skin – Follow our expert tips to achieve restaurant-quality crispy duck skin.
- Versatile and Customizable – Enjoy hoisin duck with pancakes, rice, stir-fried noodles, or even in tacos.
- Easy to Make at Home – With a few key ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen.
- Great for Special Occasions – Impress your guests with a beautifully cooked duck dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 150g of duck with sauce and accompaniments)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Ingredients
For the Duck:
- 2 duck breasts (or 4 duck legs for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra caramelization)
For the Hoisin Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving (Optional):
- 8 Chinese pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- 2 scallions, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles as an alternative
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Duck
- Pat the duck dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, five-spice powder, and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the duck.
- Drizzle the duck with soy sauce and honey, rubbing it into the skin. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Duck
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down and cook for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the skin to become crispy.
- Flip the duck and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium).
- Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Hoisin Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes.
- Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Slice the duck thinly and brush generously with the hoisin glaze.
- Serve in Chinese pancakes with julienned cucumber and scallions, or over rice and noodles.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor.
Ingredient Background
- Hoisin Sauce – A thick, fragrant sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sweeteners. It provides the signature umami-rich and slightly sweet taste of this dish.
- Five-Spice Powder – A blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, adding depth and warmth.
- Sesame Oil – Enhances the overall aroma with its nutty richness.
- Duck – A rich and flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with sweet and savory sauces like hoisin.
Technique Tips
- Score the duck skin to help render fat and achieve crispiness.
- Cook the duck skin-side down first to ensure a golden-brown crust.
- Rest the duck before slicing to retain its juices.
- Brush with glaze after cooking to prevent burning due to the sugar content.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Hoisin Duck Rice Bowl – Serve sliced duck over jasmine rice with steamed bok choy.
- Hoisin Duck Tacos – Use small tortillas and add pickled onions for a fusion twist.
- Duck Stir-Fry – Slice duck and toss with vegetables and noodles.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use duck legs for a richer, fall-apart texture; slow-roast at 325°F for 90 minutes.
- For extra-crispy skin, air-dry the duck in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
- Pair with a light side dish like stir-fried greens or a simple cucumber salad.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Hoisin Duck – Add extra chili flakes or Sriracha to the glaze.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve with lettuce wraps instead of pancakes.
- Vegetarian Hoisin Tofu – Use crispy tofu instead of duck for a plant-based option.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerate leftover duck in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
- Freeze cooked duck for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Dim Sum-Style Platter – Serve with other Chinese small plates like dumplings.
- Gourmet Dinner – Pair with a glass of Pinot Noir or a jasmine tea.
- Buffet-Style – Offer pancakes, rice, and noodle options for a customizable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of duck? Yes, but the flavor will be milder since duck has a richer taste. If using chicken, opt for skin-on thighs to achieve a similar texture and depth of flavor.
- What’s the best way to get crispy skin? Pat the duck completely dry with paper towels before cooking. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern to help render the fat, then cook skin-side down over medium heat until golden and crispy.
- Is hoisin sauce gluten-free? Some brands contain wheat, so check the label carefully. If needed, use a gluten-free hoisin sauce or make your own using tamari, honey, and Chinese five-spice.
- Can I grill the duck instead? Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Cook the duck skin-side down first, then flip and cook until the desired doneness is reached. Let it rest before slicing.
- What side dishes pair well with hoisin duck? Stir-fried greens, steamed jasmine rice, or a light cucumber salad all complement the rich flavors of hoisin duck. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a tangy Asian slaw for added freshness.
- Can I make hoisin duck ahead of time? Yes! Cook and slice the duck in advance, then reheat gently in a skillet before serving. Store the sauce separately to maintain the best texture.
Conclusion
Hoisin duck is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings bold Chinese flavors into your home kitchen. Whether served in pancakes, over rice, or in a fusion dish, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The combination of crispy duck, rich hoisin glaze, and fresh garnishes makes every bite an indulgent experience. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins or serving styles to suit your preferences. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, hoisin duck is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and elevate your home-cooked meals with a gourmet touch!
Print
Hoisin Duck
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Duck:
- 2 duck breasts (or 4 duck legs for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra caramelization)
For the Hoisin Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving (Optional):
- 8 Chinese pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- 2 scallions, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles as an alternative
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Duck
- Pat the duck dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, five-spice powder, and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the duck.
- Drizzle the duck with soy sauce and honey, rubbing it into the skin. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Duck
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down and cook for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the skin to become crispy.
- Flip the duck and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium).
- Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Hoisin Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes.
- Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Slice the duck thinly and brush generously with the hoisin glaze.
- Serve in Chinese pancakes with julienned cucumber and scallions, or over rice and noodles.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g