Image by Dragan Tomić

Almond pressed duck

Ah, the delightfully sumptuous dish of Almond Pressed Duck - it's a delicacy for sure! With its unique combination of flavors, the dish has remained a staple of the culinary specialty of Taiwan for centuries.

Almond pressed duck


The duck itself is marinated in salt and five-spice powder before being roasted to a deep golden brown, giving it a hint of delectable crunch. The almond component of the dish is then added, with the slight sweetness of the nut providing a fantastic balance to the savory flavor of the meat. It is then pressed together, binding the succulent meat and nutty almond together in one delightful bite.

No Almond Pressed Duck dish would be complete without a few accompaniments, such as a side of bamboo shoot, mushrooms, or cod fish balls; all of which work together to create an even more opulent taste experience. Another pleasant surprise is the fragrant plop of garlic oil that is drizzled onto the duck before serving, imbuing it with a subtle aroma of garlic.

The presentation of the Almond Pressed Duck is just as impressive as its taste. After being served in a small clay pot, a thin layer of warm oil is poured over the surface that adds yet another dimension to the dish. With its bright orange hue and vibrant green vegetables, the carefully arranged plate is a true feast for the eyes.

It's not hard to understand why the Almond Pressed Duck has remained popular for centuries. Its tantalizing aroma, pleasing texture, and profusely flavorful taste makes it an ideal meal for any occasion. If you haven't tried it yet, you should certainly give it a go!

The origin of Almond pressed duck

Almond pressed duck; a culinary delight that has tantalised the taste buds of many for centuries. The origins of this dish are shrouded in mystery, but the tantalising flavours of its core ingredients are undisputable.

The earliest written record of almond pressed duck is found in ancient Chinese texts, dating back to the Han dynasty. Some texts even suggest that the dish may have been served to the emperor himself, by his royal chefs in palace kitchens.

It is thought that the origins of almond pressed duck can be traced back to an ancient technique used by cooks in parts of China, and later East Asia. In these parts of the world, cooks would press the duck meat and then blend it with almonds that had been soaked overnight in hot water. This mixture was then fried and served with a special sauce; a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.

This flavourful combination of proteins, starch, and sauce created a delectable dish that over time captured the attention of foodies across the world. The unique combination of flavour and texture came to be known as almond pressed duck, and it is now found on restaurant menus the world over.

Although the origin of almond pressed duck remains a disputed topic, the dish continues to capture the taste buds of those who try it. With its appealing combination of sweetness, sourness, and richness, almond pressed duck is sure to remain a international gastronomic delight for years to come.

FAQs about Almond pressed duck

How does a duck press work?

A duck press is a kitchen device that was invented in the 19th century to extract the juices from a roasted duck. The process of using a duck press involves the cook taking a cooked duck and placing it on the press, which is typically constructed out of a metal cylinder with a plunger. The plunger is then pushed to extrude the juices from the duck. The juice is then collected in a saucepan or bowl for serving or further cooking.


How is pressed duck made?

Pressed duck is a traditional Chinese dish prepared by poaching a whole duck, deboning it while still warm, and then pressing the duck carcass in a wooden press to obtain the remaining duck juices and fats. The bones are then discarded and the pressed duck meat is served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.


What does roast duck Cantonese style taste like?

Roast duck Cantonese style is typically served with a crispy skin and juicy meat. The flavor is slightly sweet and savory with subtle hints of five-spice powder, ginger, scallion, and garlic. It is usually served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce that adds an umami flavor to the dish.


What is Woo Shu duck?

Woo Shu Duck is a Chinese dish made of crisp-fried duck cooked with a sweet and spicy sauce. The duck is marinated with a mix of light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and pepper before being deep fried. Once cooked, it is then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, chillies and spring onions. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish.


Types of Almond pressed duck

The almond pressed duck is a delight popular amongst many cultures and countries, including China, Germany and the United States. It's appreciated for its distinctive flavor and texture, both soft and crunchy at the same time. But what exactly makes this dish so beloved and why are there multiple ways to produce it?

The classic version of almond pressed duck is made with ground almonds that are mixed with spices and vinegar before being mixed with the duck and steamed. Once cooked, the almonds form an incredibly crisp crust around the outside of the bird, while the stuffing remains succulent and juicy inside. The result is a delectable balance of flavors and textures that never fail to impress.

While the original recipe for almond pressed duck is tasty and satisfying, chefs around the world have looked for creative ways to update the classic dish. Some prepare it by wrapping the duck in a crispy coating of panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds and herbs. Others opt for a spicy take, using cumin and chili powder to give their duck an exciting flavor.

In the United States, a deep-fried version of almond pressed duck has become particularly popular. Preparers begin by seasoning and marinating the duck before dipping it into a thick batter of freshly ground almonds and flour. Then, they fry it over a hot stovetop until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

No matter which version you choose, almond pressed duck is sure to be a winner. Its unique combination of textures and flavors ensures that it will always remain a beloved classic. Plus, its relatively straightforward preparation process makes it easy to recreate in the comfort of your own kitchen!