National Peking Duck Day | Peking Duck Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
I first tried duck at Seasons 52 in Tampa for an event to promote their autumn menu. I had never tried it before and really didn’t want to start, to be honest. However, as a guest at the restaurant and for just being a fan of the place in general, I had to give it a go. And I loved it.
Fast forward to present day and I’ve had some pretty rad duck wings, duck nachos, and duck tacos. In no time at all, it’s gone from having a very “yuck” status to being one of my favorites. Hats off to National Peking Duck Day. I’m sure glad you came along now that I’m more adventurous.
To be honest, I wanted to make my own Peking Duck. I thought that it couldn’t possibly be that hard, but when I read what exactly Peking Duck entailed, I got really, really nervous. Sure, I could probably make some crispy duck, but it wouldn’t truly be Peking Duck, and I didn’t want to pretend like it was. I decided to get Peking Duck from the professionals and then create a salad featuring the bird.
While I was searching for methods, they were all pretty complicated, or at least complicated enough that I just didn’t want to try and have it come out awful. You can search for how to make Peking Duck at home, but here are the steps that I left up to someone else:
- Pump air under the skin to separate the skin from the fat.
- Soak duck in boiling water and then hang up to dry for about 24 hours.
- Roast in a hung oven, an oven where ducks hang vertically on hooks above a fire.
However, I had heard of the best Peking Duck in Tampa being available at an Asian market downtown called Oceanic. I decided to get my Peking Duck from the best (and hopefully you will too the next time you’re in the mood!). As a first time shopper, I didn’t realize how awesome this place is. I ended up doing $50 in damage, but I got so many things: broccolini, long peppers, habaneros, sugar, flour, chopsticks, aloe drink, candy, sauces and more. This place is unbelievable and either cheaper or comparable to bigger supermarkets. And they had everything there! I will definitely be back.
As we went to the deli, I spied (and snatched up) Singapore Stir-fry with chicken, peppers, and egg, and sautéed bok choy. Most importantly, I saw the hanging ducks, just ready for my consumption. They sell duck in quarter, half and whole sizes, so I purchased the half left over from a previous duck and raced home, giddy all the while.
Because I really wanted the duck to be allowed to shine, I didn’t create a very elaborate salad. With arugula, dried cherries, and an orange vinaigrette, my lunch was complete.
Have you ever tried duck? What did you think??
- Peking Duck, sliced
- Arugula
- Handful of dried cherries
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Juice from 1/2 large orange
- 1 tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Arrange arugula on plate or in bowl. Sprinkle dried cherries around lettuce. Place Peking Duck on top of leaves.
- To make the dressing, combine red wine vinegar, juice from orange, honey and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in olive oil. Pour over salad.
DID YOU KNOW: Peking Duck is a famous dish from Bejing, having been served since the Imperial Era, and is now considered a national dish of China. Peking Duck is traditionally served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin or sweet bean sauce. Peking Duck was first popular among the upper class, but by the mid-20th century, tourists and diplomats had to get their hands on this meat. While Henry Kissinger was visiting China, he was served this duck and it became one of his favorite meals.
Tomorrow: National Popcorn Day
Ok, I’ll admit it, I won’t be making the duck but it sure looks delicious. I made a resolution to start cooking at home more (with adult kids, I don’t bother to cook anymore). This recipe looks great but I’d probably substitute the duck for chicken since we have been traumatized by the fact that my son is allergic to duck so no one will eat it now :-/ Can’t wait to see what other goodies you’ll be sharing that I can make at home. Yum!
I’m sure it’s great with grilled steak or chicken too! I would sub the orange for lemon in the vinaigrette if making chicken. Yum!
Great compromise and the salad is lovely! Love the idea of cherries, too 🙂 Stopping by from DBB. Have a great weekend!
The cherries are my new favorite items in a salad! Have a great evening!
Looks delicious! I have only ever Duck Fat Fries from Dough and I have never actually tasted duck. I would love to try it some day.
Oh, duck is great! I would definitely recommend trying some. Actually, one of my favorite places to get duck is Anise. They have these Duck Confit Tacos. Yum!
Welll…..considering duck is my all-time favorite meat, this dish looks FANTASTIC. I absolutely love that you paired it with dried cherries, arugula, and an orange dressing…talk about a great combo of fun flavors! And I can’t blame you for not making the peking duck…that would’ve been insane.
Yeahhhh, I originally was going to go into Yummy House and see if I could get them to work with me on making the Peking Duck, but I wasn’t able to get in touch with them to work out the details. But then I figured…I don’t have to MAKE every single item on the list, but rather, I can create a dish around it instead.