Peking Duck, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, is a culinary masterpiece. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on the palate. But what truly elevates this experience is understanding what to serve alongside it. The accompaniments and side dishes are integral to completing the Peking Duck ritual.
The Traditional Accompaniments: The Core Experience
The classic way to enjoy Peking Duck involves a carefully curated selection of accompaniments designed to complement and enhance its rich flavors. These aren’t mere afterthoughts; they’re essential players in the Peking Duck drama.
Scallions and Cucumber: The Refreshing Contrast
Thinly sliced scallions and cucumber are the cornerstone of the traditional Peking Duck experience. The slight sharpness of the scallions cuts through the richness of the duck, while the cool, crisp cucumber provides a refreshing counterpoint. They offer a vital textural contrast as well, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. These aren’t just garnishes; they’re vital components that balance the overall flavor profile. The key is to ensure they’re sliced uniformly and thinly for optimal enjoyment.
Hoisin Sauce: The Umami Bomb
No Peking Duck is complete without hoisin sauce. This thick, dark sauce, made from fermented soybean paste, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and spices, provides a deep, savory umami flavor that binds all the elements together. It’s the glue that holds the Peking Duck experience together. A good hoisin sauce should be rich, slightly sweet, and possess a complex depth of flavor. It’s typically brushed onto the thin pancakes or wraps before the duck and other accompaniments are added. A high-quality hoisin sauce is essential for an authentic Peking Duck experience.
Thin Pancakes or Wrappers: The Delivery System
The thin pancakes or wrappers, often called “Mandarin pancakes,” are the vessel for delivering the Peking Duck, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce to your eager taste buds. These delicate, steamed pancakes are thin, soft, and slightly chewy, providing a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine. They’re typically warmed before serving to enhance their pliability and prevent them from tearing. The texture of the pancakes plays a crucial role; they should be thin enough to not overpower the other flavors, yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.
Beyond the Classics: Expanding the Peking Duck Horizon
While the traditional accompaniments are essential, there’s room to explore other flavors and textures that can further enhance the Peking Duck experience. These additions can add complexity and create a more personalized meal.
Pickled Vegetables: A Tangy Zest
Pickled vegetables, such as pickled daikon radish or carrots, can provide a welcome tangy and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the duck. Their bright, vibrant flavors cut through the fat and cleanse the palate, preparing it for the next bite. The acidity of the pickles also helps to balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. Consider offering a variety of pickled vegetables to cater to different preferences.
Garlic Paste or Chili Garlic Sauce: Adding a Spicy Kick
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a small dollop of garlic paste or chili garlic sauce can add a fiery kick to the Peking Duck experience. The pungent garlic and spicy chili create a stimulating contrast to the savory duck and sweet hoisin sauce. Be mindful of the heat level, as a little goes a long way. A high-quality chili garlic sauce with a good balance of flavors is ideal.
Sesame Oil: A Nutty Fragrance
A drizzle of sesame oil can add a nutty aroma and flavor to the Peking Duck. Its fragrant notes complement the savory flavors of the duck and hoisin sauce, adding another layer of complexity to the dish. Use sparingly, as sesame oil can be quite potent.
Bean Sprouts: A Crunchy Addition
Blanched bean sprouts offer a fresh, crunchy element that can enhance the textural contrast of the Peking Duck. Their mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine, while their crispness provides a satisfying bite. Ensure the bean sprouts are properly blanched to remove any bitterness.
Side Dishes: Completing the Feast
While the accompaniments focus on enhancing the Peking Duck itself, side dishes can transform the meal into a complete and satisfying feast. These dishes should complement the flavors of the Peking Duck without overpowering them.
Ginger Scallion Noodles: A Flavorful Staple
Ginger scallion noodles are a classic Chinese side dish that pairs perfectly with Peking Duck. The simple yet flavorful combination of noodles, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a savory and aromatic side that complements the richness of the duck. The noodles provide a satisfying carbohydrate component to the meal.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A Healthy Balance
A simple stir-fry of seasonal vegetables, such as bok choy, snow peas, and mushrooms, can provide a healthy and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Peking Duck. A light sauce, such as a garlic soy sauce or oyster sauce, can enhance the flavors of the vegetables without overpowering the duck.
Hot and Sour Soup: A Tangy Appetizer
Hot and sour soup, with its tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, makes an excellent appetizer before the Peking Duck. Its vibrant flavors awaken the palate and prepare it for the richer flavors to come. The soup’s acidity and spice also help to cut through the richness of the duck.
Egg Drop Soup: A Light and Comforting Start
Alternatively, a light and comforting egg drop soup can be a gentle start to the meal. Its delicate flavor and soothing texture provide a nice contrast to the more intense flavors of the Peking Duck.
Jasmine Rice: A Neutral Base
Steamed jasmine rice provides a neutral base that can be used to soak up the flavorful sauces and juices from the Peking Duck and other dishes. Its subtle aroma and slightly sweet flavor complement the savory flavors of the meal.
Drinks to Pair with Peking Duck: Quenching Your Thirst
Choosing the right beverage can further enhance the Peking Duck experience. The ideal drinks should complement the rich flavors of the duck and cleanse the palate between bites.
Chinese Tea: A Traditional Choice
Chinese tea, particularly green tea or oolong tea, is a classic pairing with Peking Duck. The tea’s slightly bitter and astringent notes cut through the richness of the duck and cleanse the palate. Green tea is refreshing and light, while oolong tea offers a more complex and nuanced flavor profile. Serving hot tea is a traditional way to enjoy Peking Duck.
Beer: A Refreshing Option
A crisp and refreshing beer, such as a lager or pilsner, can be a great pairing with Peking Duck. The beer’s carbonation and slightly bitter notes help to cut through the richness of the duck and cleanse the palate. Avoid overly hoppy or strong beers, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the duck.
Wine: A Sophisticated Pairing
While not a traditional choice, certain wines can pair well with Peking Duck. A dry Riesling, with its acidity and slightly sweet notes, can complement the richness of the duck and the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. A Pinot Noir, with its earthy and fruity notes, can also be a good pairing. Avoid overly tannic or oaky wines, as they can clash with the flavors of the duck.
The Art of Presentation: Setting the Stage
The presentation of Peking Duck and its accompaniments is just as important as the flavors themselves. A well-presented meal elevates the dining experience and enhances the anticipation.
Arranging the Accompaniments: A Visual Feast
Arrange the scallions, cucumber, and other accompaniments neatly on a platter or in separate bowls. This allows guests to easily select their preferred toppings. The presentation should be visually appealing, with vibrant colors and textures.
Carving the Duck: A Theatrical Performance
The carving of the Peking Duck is often a theatrical performance, with the chef skillfully slicing the crispy skin and succulent meat. This adds to the overall dining experience and creates a sense of occasion.
Serving the Pancakes: Warm and Ready
Keep the pancakes warm and pliable by steaming them or warming them in a covered dish. Serve them in a basket or on a plate, along with the hoisin sauce and other accompaniments.
Making it Your Own: Personalizing the Experience
While tradition provides a solid foundation, don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your Peking Duck experience. Try different accompaniments, side dishes, and drinks to discover your own perfect pairings. The key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that you enjoy.
Exploring Regional Variations
Different regions of China may have their own variations of Peking Duck and its accompaniments. Research these variations and try incorporating elements that appeal to you.
Experimenting with Flavors
Don’t be afraid to try new and unexpected flavor combinations. For example, adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha sauce can add a unique twist to the dish.
Embracing Creativity
Ultimately, the goal is to create a Peking Duck experience that is both delicious and memorable. Embrace your creativity and have fun experimenting with different flavors and presentations. The best Peking Duck meal is the one you enjoy the most.
What are some traditional accompaniments to Peking Duck?
Peking Duck is traditionally served with thin, delicate pancakes, scallions (cut into brushes), and hoisin sauce. These components are essential for creating the classic Peking Duck wrap, where you spread the hoisin sauce on the pancake, add a few pieces of crispy duck skin and meat, and top it with scallions before folding it into a delicious bite.
Beyond the wraps, other traditional accompaniments include a second course, often a stir-fry of the remaining duck meat with vegetables or noodles. Some restaurants also offer a duck bone broth or soup, using the duck carcass for a flavorful and comforting addition to the meal.
What side dishes can complement the richness of Peking Duck?
To balance the richness of Peking Duck, consider lighter and brighter side dishes. Refreshing cucumber salads, pickled vegetables (like daikon or carrots), or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the fattiness and cleanse the palate between bites of duck.
Another great option is stir-fried greens like bok choy or gai lan (Chinese broccoli). Their slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture provide a nice contrast to the savory and fatty duck. Also, consider a small bowl of steamed rice to soak up the delicious hoisin sauce and duck juices.
What sauces besides hoisin can enhance the flavor of Peking Duck?
While hoisin sauce is the classic choice, you can experiment with other sauces to add different dimensions to the Peking Duck experience. Plum sauce, with its sweet and tangy flavor profile, is a popular alternative and pairs well with the savory duck.
A garlic chili sauce can add a spicy kick for those who enjoy a little heat. You could also consider a black bean sauce for a more savory and umami-rich flavor. Remember to use these alternative sauces sparingly, as they can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the duck.
What drinks pair well with Peking Duck?
The richness of Peking Duck calls for drinks that can cleanse the palate and complement the savory flavors. Crisp, dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices, as their acidity helps cut through the fat.
For red wine lovers, a light-bodied red with low tannins, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, will be less likely to clash with the duck. Beer is another great option, with lagers and pale ales being particularly refreshing. Chinese tea, especially green tea, is also a traditional and complementary beverage.
Can you suggest a vegetarian dish to serve alongside Peking Duck for a mixed dietary group?
To accommodate vegetarians in a group dining on Peking Duck, consider offering a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish. A hearty vegetable stir-fry with tofu, mushrooms, and a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli would be a great choice.
Alternatively, a vegetarian noodle dish, such as vegetable lo mein or mapo tofu (a spicy tofu dish), can provide a substantial and delicious option. Ensure the vegetarian dish is prepared with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors to stand up to the richness of the duck.
What is a modern twist on traditional Peking Duck accompaniments?
While sticking to tradition is appreciated, modern interpretations can also elevate the Peking Duck experience. Instead of plain pancakes, consider using flavored pancakes, such as scallion pancakes or sesame pancakes, for an added layer of flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of vegetables for the wrap, like julienned carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You could also add a touch of freshness with herbs like cilantro or mint. Swapping hoisin sauce for a homemade plum sauce with a hint of ginger can also be a delightful modern twist.
What desserts are a good way to end a Peking Duck meal?
After a rich and savory Peking Duck meal, a light and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to conclude the experience. Fruit platters with seasonal fruits like oranges, lychees, or watermelon are a simple and refreshing option.
Alternatively, consider a light and delicate dessert like mango pudding or almond tofu. These desserts are mildly sweet and have a creamy texture that complements the richness of the preceding meal without being overly heavy. A small scoop of sorbet or ice cream can also cleanse the palate and provide a satisfying ending.