Roast duck is one of the most iconic dishes in traditional cuisine, famous for its golden, crispy skin and juicy meat, traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet sauce.

While restaurant-style versions involve elaborate roasting setups, it’s absolutely possible to capture the essence of this dish in your own kitchen. For Lykkers who love trying bold, rewarding recipes, this guide brings a relaxed approach to creating your own delicious roast duck experience at home.

Part 1: How to Make Roast Duck at Home

This simplified method uses accessible ingredients and oven-roasting techniques to give you the crisp skin and deep flavor you’re looking for—without special equipment. It takes a bit of planning, but the results are worth it.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4)

For the Duck:

Whole duck – 1.8–2 kg

Honey – 3 tbsp

Chinese five-spice powder – 1 tsp

Salt – 2 tsp

Soy sauce – 2 tbsp

Shaoxing drink or dry sherry – 1 tbsp

Boiling water – enough to pour over the duck (about 1 liter)

White vinegar – 1 tbsp (optional, for helping crisp the skin)

For the Sauce and Sides:

Hoisin sauce – 80g

Scallions – 4, julienned

Cucumber – 1 small, sliced into matchsticks

Mandarin pancakes – 8–10 (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Duck

Start by rinsing the duck under cold water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up later. You’ll want to trim excess fat from the cavity and tuck the wings behind the back.

Step 2: Boil and Prep the Skin

Place the duck on a wire rack over your sink or a large bowl. Carefully pour the boiling water over the entire surface of the duck. You’ll see the skin tighten—this is good. Pat it dry again.

Step 3: Season and Air-Dry

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey and vinegar. Brush this mixture all over the duck. Then sprinkle the five-spice and salt evenly inside and out.

Place the duck uncovered on a rack in your fridge to air-dry for 12–24 hours. This step helps the skin become extra crispy.

Step 4: Roast the Duck

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the duck on a roasting rack in a baking tray lined with foil. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, turning the duck once halfway through.

If the skin needs more crisping, you can raise the heat to 220°C (425°F) for the last 10–15 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Rest and Carve

Let the duck rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. You can remove the skin separately and slice the meat thinly for serving.

Step 6: Warm Pancakes and Assemble

Heat the pancakes in a steamer or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven. To serve, spread a little hoisin sauce on a pancake, add crispy duck skin and meat, top with cucumber and scallion, then roll it up and enjoy.

Part 2: More Ways to Enjoy Roast Duck

Why It’s So Loved

Roast Duck is all about balance—crispy skin, juicy meat, sweet sauce, and fresh crunch from the vegetables. It’s a feast for both the palate and the senses.

Serving Tips

Serve the duck pancakes on a large platter so guests can assemble their own. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy the dish. Pair with jasmine rice or a light soup if you want to stretch the meal further.

Make It Your Own

Don’t have pancakes? Use small tortillas, rice paper, or even lettuce cups. You can also try making your own dipping sauce by mixing hoisin with a little sesame oil and minced garlic for extra depth.

Leftover Ideas

Use leftover duck in stir-fries, noodle bowls, or even fried rice. The flavor deepens overnight and it crisps up nicely when reheated in a pan or air fryer.

Tips for Success

Drying the duck overnight is key—don’t skip it.

You can baste with more honey-soy mix during the last 30 minutes for extra gloss.

A roasting rack helps the duck cook evenly and keeps the skin from steaming.

Roast Duck at home might sound ambitious, but with a little patience and some smart shortcuts, you can absolutely bring this legendary dish to your own table. It’s rich, crisp, and surprisingly fun to make—especially when shared. So Lykkers, clear a little kitchen space, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to turn your weekend dinner into a culinary celebration. Ready to try mini duck buns or veggie pancakes next? Let’s keep the inspiration rolling.