Everyone is familiar with one scene, in particular, from the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story. While the final end scene could have been done a bit more tastefully, the film does show its age in that respect - one aspect of the final scene, in particular, has transcended the ages: The famed Peking duck.
While it was joked about in earnest by those eating it in the movie, the dish has received high praise from anyone who has tried it. Peking duck also has a lofty reputation in Beijing, where it originated, along with a long history that precedes it. While most of us got our first up-close look at a Peking duck from A Christmas Story, there's so much more to know about this beloved and historically relevant dish, especially during the holiday season when it's so popular. Many have tried to find restaurants that serve it and many are hard-pressed to do so; the process, effort, and care that goes into cooking a duck dish such as this far surpass the typical Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham that adorns most tables every year.
The Origins Of Peking
Peking duck is a dish that has been prepared since China's Imperial Era, meaning it has had a long, reigning history long before any movie or modern-day restaurant turned it into a holiday tradition. It's important to note that the ducks used in Peking are specifically bred and raised for it, which differentiates this duck dish from the typical duck that most of us are used to. It's not confit the way most duck is nor is it simply roasted as a whole poultry bird would be. The Peking duck must be roasted in a traditional closed oven, and this is what results in the delicious, moist, and tender meat that is cut from the duck, along with a hefty crispy skin to meat ratio. In fact, Peking duck is known for having more crispy skin than any other type of roasted poultry, which is another reason it's so highly coveted by those who know about it.
The flavor of the duck is also something that many people praise, as it maintains its moisture due to the sheer amount of crispy skin that protects the exterior of the duck. The duck is also seasoned, typically Chinese five-spice is used somewhere in many recipes. Despite the fact that it's not a dish that's known well worldwide, it's one of the most popular dishes in China. The first Peking duck dish can be traced back to roughly 1300 and was named after the city that shared its name - also known as modern-day Beijing, which is why the dish is so popular in this city, in particular. It's also not uncommon for the duck to be glazed prior to cooking, which is why it has such a lovely and shiny appearance when it's pulled from the oven.
How Is Peking Duck Traditionally Eaten?
While the chopping of the neck of the duck was for show in the movie, it's actually eaten quite simply. The meat is sheared off the roast with the skin intact, and it's served alongside other traditional Chinese sides. Of these sides, cucumber, scallion, and sweet bean sauce are the most popular. These flavors are subtle yet complement the duck well, with its slightly gamey savory flavor and multiple layers of texture from the tender meat all the way to the crispy skin, crispy scallion and cucumber, and decadent bean sauce. Paper-thin pancakes are also served alongside the duck after it's been carved, allowing diners to create their own wraps with each component. Alternatively, hoisin sauce is another popular condiment to eat along with the duck and packs a bit more flavor than the others. This also allows diners to add a bit of heat to their dish, complete with a bold flavor that rounds out the duck very well. In addition to this, pickled radish is sometimes made to accompany the duck. The brined and tangy flavor profile from the pickled radish is enough to cut through the decadence that duck brings to the table, while the radish itself is crispy and fresh, helping to cleanse the palette.
While this dish is easy to find in China, it's much tougher to find throughout the rest of the world. A person's best bet is to explore their local Chinese restaurants and first stop in at those which have been there the longest - since it is a traditional dish, it will likely be served at restaurants that follow a more traditional, authentic Chinese menu. Additionally, your local Asian market might have some insight into where to find this delicious delicacy.