The recipe for this traditional dish is surprisingly uncomplicated; whole ducks are bathed in a vat of Szechwan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, star anise and spring onions. The mixture creates a savory depth of flavor that coats the skin of the duck while slowly seasoning it through and through. This mixture is then steamed in the oven; the result is tender meat that locks in the aromatics and spices, yielding a succulent and robust texture.
On the plate, it's a sight to behold — each slice of duck is crisp and prominently coated with the peppercorns, signifying its signature flavor. The Wuhan duck has a distinct character that separates it from other duck dishes. It's a hearty meal that puts balance and harmony of flavors at its core.
Whether enjoyed as part of a family feast or a romantic dinner, Wuhan duck is the perfect introduction to the culinary history of this region. It's an experience like no other — an age-old dish with a unique twist that brings out its invigorating, lip-smacking character.
Wuhan duck, the iconic and lovingly prepared dish, has had its fair share of interesting beginnings and evolutions along the way.
The origin of Wuhan duck is steeped in legend, with an uncertain timeline and varying stories, but the core narrative remains the same. It's said that this dish was conceived in the city of Wuhan, located in the Hubei province of China, during the Ming Dynasty.
The tale begins with a storyteller named Zhao who often traveled around the countryside to spread tales of ancient heroes and magical feats. One day, Zhao came across a small village situated near a pond. Therein, villagers raised chickens and ducks that they would feed with leftover grains and mashes. The villagers noticed that these fowls, when cooked, had a unique flavor and tenderness unmatched by just about any breed at the time.
Knowing that these birds could make for a fantastic meal, Zhao concocted a special recipe and began to spread it around the countryside. He even went as far as teaching the locals how to properly prepare the Wuhan duck as we know it today. The result was a succulent, luscious dish that quickly became cherished by locals and travelers alike.
Today, Wuhan duck is still prepared according to the same recipe once conceived by Zhao centuries ago. It's said to be best enjoyed with sides like fragrant bamboo shoots and crispy-fried taro leaves. It's also served in various versions, such as steamed, roasted, or grilled.
No matter how it's prepared, Wuhan duck continues to captivate and tantalize the taste buds of diners all over the world with its one-of-a-kind savory excellence. Truly, this dish has come a long way from the humble beginnings of a small village near a pond.
Wuhan duck is a dish that is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any connoisseur of Asian cuisine. It has a rich flavor profile and offers several variations, with each type of duck providing an intriguingly unique taste experience. Whether it’s crispy duck skin or the tenderness of duck breast, Wuhan duck is a delectable dish that will satisfy the most discerning palate.
Crispy roasted Wuhan duck is often considered the classic version of this dish. This variation of duck is cooked in an oven until the skin becomes a crunchy golden brown. The intensely flavorful skin is then slathered with Chinese sauce for an exquisite flavor experience. The meat underneath the skin is incredibly succulent and juicy, making this type of duck especially comforting.
Barbecued Wuhan duck is another popular choice. This version of the dish is prepared by marinating the duck in a citric concoction of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices before grilling it over smoldering charcoal. The resulting flavor can be tangy and spicy, making it a delightful alternative to the roasted version.
Another great way to enjoy Wuhan duck is to have it deep-fried or stir-fried. For a deep-fried version, the duck is first marinated in a mixture of sesame oil, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings, and then fried to a perfect crispiness. Stir-fried Wuhan duck sees the meat briefly cooked in a wok and then served with a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce.
Finally, for fans of soup, Wuhan duck soup is a wonderful option. Here, the duck is gently boiled in a fragrant pork broth with vegetables like mushrooms and bok choy for extra depth of flavor. The delicate savoriness of the broth provides a delightful contrast to the succulent duck, creating a delectable medley of scrumptious flavors.
No matter how you prepare it, Wuhan duck is definitely an indulgence that you won’t soon forget. With so many different types of this dish, you’re sure to find a variant that will tantalize and satiate your appetite.