What Sauce Goes with Peking Duck (Hoisin Sauce)

Peking duck is an iconic Chinese dish developed in the Ming Dynasty’s imperial kitchen. It’s one of those dishes you must try, and it can be a surprisingly tasty experience.

The most common sauce that goes with Peking duck is Hoisin sauce, Peking Duck sauce, and Plum sauce. However, plenty of other sauces go especially well with Peking duck if you’re looking for something different.

Credit: canva

The key element is getting the right sauce to our dish to bring out its flavor. This article will show you some of my favorite sauces. So the next time you want some delicious Peking duck, don’t just settle for plain old hoisin – try these delicious sauces instead!

Chili oil. Credit: canva

The Best Sauce for Peking Duck

There are many different ways to enjoy Peking Ducks.

Here are ten unique sauces that go great with Peking duck:

Hoisin Sauce

This thick, sticky sauce is packed with sweet, savory, and slightly salty flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about hoisin sauce:

Hoisin sauce is made from fermented soybeans, sugar, vinegar, and spices. The exact combination of ingredients will vary depending on the brand, but hoisin sauce is typically a dark reddish-brown color and has a sweet, tangy flavor.

This sauce is versatile sauce that can be used in various ways. It’s most commonly used as a dipping sauce for Peking duck, but it can also be used as a base for stir-fry sauces, a glaze for meats and vegetables, or even a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.

Peking Duck Sauce

Peking duck sauce is a thick, sweet-and-sour sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices. It has a deep reddish-brown color and a slightly tangy flavor.

Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a popular accompaniment to Peking duck. It’s made with plums, sugar, vinegar, and spices. The flavor is sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.

It is a versatile sauce that can be used in various ways. It’s most commonly used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, such as egg rolls, wontons, and chicken nuggets. It’s also a popular sauce for stir-fry dishes, where it can be used to add flavor and balance to the dish.

Garlic Sauce

Garlic sauce is a great way to add extra flavor to Peking duck. It’s made with garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and other spices. The flavor is savory and slightly spicy.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a delicious way to enjoy Peking duck. It’s made with honey, mustard, and other spices. The flavor is sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.

Sweet Bean Sauce

Sweet Bean Sauce is a popular accompaniment to Peking duck. It’s made with fermented black beans, sugar, and other spices. The flavor is sweet and savory with a hint of spice. Sweet bean sauce pairs well with the rich flavor of Peking duck and adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish. It’s also great for dipping pancakes or adding to stir-fries.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a great way to add heat to Peking duck. It’s made with chilies, garlic, sugar, and other spices. The flavor is sweet and spicy with a hint of smokiness.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chinese sweet and sour sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and for a good reason! It’s a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour sauce that adds flavor to various dishes.

The sauce is made from a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and various seasonings, such as ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The ratio of sugar to vinegar will vary depending on personal preference, but the goal is to create a balance between sweet and sour flavors.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a classic condiment that goes well with almost anything, including Peking duck. Dip your Peking duck into some soy sauce and enjoy.

Chili Oil

Chili oil is perfect for those who like their food with a little bit of heat. Drizzle some chili oil over your Peking duck and enjoy.

Peking duck with hoisin sauce. Credit: canva

Peking Duck Sauce

Peking Duck Sauce vs. Hoisin Sauce

Peking duck sauce is sweeter and thinner than hoisin sauce and is also typically made with more sugar and less vinegar than hoisin sauce.

Hoisin sauce contains more garlic, chiles, and other seasonings than Peking duck sauce. As a result, hoisin sauce is usually thicker and has a more intense flavor than Peking duck Sauce.

Recipe

The ingredients of Peking duck sauce vary, but it typically contains sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper. Onion and garlic may also be used.

  1. In a small pan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, two tablespoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Pour the mixture into a jar or container with a lid and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Peking Duck and How to Serve It

Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish made by roasting a duck over an open fire. The dish is made from a duck that is specially bred to make a Peking duck.

Traditionally, Peking duck is prepared by hanging it to dry for several days before roasting it in a closed oven or over a wood fire. 

Peking duck can be served in many different ways. It can be served as part of a larger meal or as an appetizer.

To serve it as an appetizer, slice the duck into thin strips and serve it with thin Mandarin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. The duck can be served with steamed buns, vegetables, and other accompaniments for a larger meal.

Peking duck served with steamed buns. Credit: canva

What to Serve with Peking Duck

  • Steamed buns: Soft, fluffy buns are the perfect vehicle for wrapping up slices of Peking duck, sauce, and scallions.
  • Rice: A simple side of steamed rice helps balance the Peking duck’s richness and provides a neutral base for the flavors of the sauce and other accompaniments.
  • Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of colorful and crunchy veggies, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, help to lighten up the meal and adds some healthy balance.
  • Noodles: Whether wheat-based or rice-based, noodles offer a comforting and filling alternative to rice. Try stir-frying noodles with some veggies and a little sauce for a tasty and satisfying side dish.
  • Tofu: Silky soft tofu is a perfect pairing for Peking duck, as it helps offset the dish’s richness. Try sautéing or stir-frying cubes of tofu with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a delicious and healthy side.
  • Soup: A simple, savory soup is a great way to start or end the meal. Try a clear broth with veggies and a little tofu for a light and refreshing soup.
  • Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or pears, helps to cleanse the palate and adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.

These options give you a well-rounded meal with balanced flavors, textures, and nutritional balance!

peking duck
Credit: canva

FAQs

What is the origin of the Peking duck?

The Peking duck originated in Beijing, China, during the Imperial era. It became popular among the imperial families and eventually spread throughout China.

Is Peking duck commonly found on menus in American restaurants?

While Peking duck can be found on the menus of some high-end Chinese restaurants in America, it is not as commonly seen as other popular Chinese dishes such as kung pao chicken or General Tso’s chicken.

Are there any regional variations of the Peking duck?

There are a few regional variations of Peking duck, such as Nanjing salted crisp duck and Suzhou soy sauce duck.

These variations often involve different marinades or methods of preparation than traditional Peking duck.

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