Crispy Roast Duck with Orange Glaze

Crispy Roast Duck with Orange Glaze

Ingredients:

For the roast duck:

• 1 whole duck (approximately 5 pounds or 2.2 kg)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the orange glaze:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the giblets from the duck cavity and discard. Rinse the duck inside and out under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the marinade for the duck.
4. Brush the marinade all over the duck, making sure to coat both the inside and outside. Allow the duck to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
5. Place the marinated duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. This allows the fat to render and drip away from the meat as it cooks.
6. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Every 30 minutes, baste the duck with the drippings from the pan.
7. While the duck is roasting, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated orange zest, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add it to the glaze to thicken it slightly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze has thickened.
8. When the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to carve.
9. Carve the roast duck into serving pieces and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle the orange glaze over the duck or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Serve your delicious crispy roast duck with orange glaze alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a flavorful and impressive meal.