Crispy Duck Pancakes Recipe
If you’re craving a deliciously crispy, tender duck dish, Crispy Duck Pancakes are a perfect choice. This classic recipe combines the savory flavors of duck with light and soft pancakes, perfect for dipping into hoisin sauce. It’s an excellent choice for a special dinner or a treat to impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To create this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Duck:
- 2 duck breasts (skin-on)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp five-spice powder (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2/3 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing)
To Serve:
- Hoisin sauce (or plum sauce)
- Cucumber, julienned
- Spring onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Duck Breasts
Start by scoring the duck breast skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps render out the fat and ensures the skin becomes crispy.
- Pro Tip: Pat the duck skin dry with paper towels before cooking. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get.
Season both sides of the duck breasts with salt, pepper, and five-spice powder (if using).
2. Cook the Duck
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the duck breasts skin-side down. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the duck and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness (for medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F).
Once cooked, remove the duck from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Make the Pancakes
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring constantly to form a dough. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Pro Tip: Cover the dough with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Then, roll each ball out into a thin circle (about 6 inches wide). Brush the top of each circle with a little vegetable oil, then stack them on top of each other. Roll them out together to make them even thinner.
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Cook each pancake for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until light golden brown spots form. Once done, keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean tea towel.
4. Assemble the Dish
To assemble the pancakes, place a pancake on a plate, and spoon a little hoisin sauce onto the center. Layer with thin slices of duck, followed by cucumber and spring onions. Gently fold the edges of the pancake around the filling to create a neat parcel.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle a little more hoisin sauce on top of the duck before wrapping.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Duck Pancakes are a fantastic appetizer or light main dish. Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or fried rice to complete the meal. They can also be a fun dish for a party or get-together—perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Duck Pancakes recipe is sure to become a favorite! The crispy duck paired with the soft, warm pancakes and fresh toppings creates a satisfying and flavorful combination. Don’t forget to add your favorite sauce for dipping—it makes all the difference!
