Best Easy Tea Smoked Duck Recipe

Duck is cured with spices and smoked over tea leaves, rice, and sugar for an intensely aromatic result. This Sichuan specialty is high in protein and offers a unique smoky flavor profile for adventurous family dinners.

Cook 180 min Difficulty HARD 300 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • whole duck 5 lbs
  • uncooked white rice 0.5 cup
  • black tea leaves 0.75 cup
  • brown sugar 0.25 cup
  • green onions 3 pieces
  • ginger 3 slices
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tbsp
  • Chinese five spice powder 2 tsp
  • ground Sichuan pepper 1 tsp
  • light soy sauce 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 8 g 10%
Protein 27 g 36%
Fat 17 g 54%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the duck dry thoroughly, then rub the entire surface evenly with salt, Chinese five spice powder, and ground Sichuan pepper, including inside the cavity.

  2. 2

    Stuff the duck cavity with green onions and ginger slices. Place the duck uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours to cure and dry the skin.

  3. 3

    In a large steamer, steam the duck for 45 minutes over medium-high heat. This step renders fat and partially cooks the duck for moist, tender meat.

  4. 4

    Line the bottom of a heavy wok or stovetop smoker with foil. Spread the tea leaves, rice, and brown sugar evenly over the foil for even smoke distribution.

  5. 5

    Place a rack above the smoking mixture, set the steamed duck breast-side up, cover tightly, and heat over medium-high until it begins smoking. Lower to medium, smoke for 20-25 minutes, then turn off the heat and let rest with the lid on for 10 more minutes for flavor infusion before carving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in this recipe is the whole duck. It provides the rich, succulent texture and robust meatiness that's signature to tea smoked duck. The tea leaves, rice, and spices infuse the duck with complex aromatic flavors, but it's the duck itself that anchors the dish.
Q. How is the smoky flavor created in tea smoked duck?
The smoky flavor is achieved by placing the steamed duck over a mixture of black tea leaves, rice, and brown sugar in a foil-lined wok or smoker. As this mixture heats up, it releases aromatic smoke, which permeates the duck for 20-25 minutes over medium heat. Resting the duck with the lid on for 10 minutes lets the smokiness develop fully.
Q. How can I prevent the duck from becoming dry during cooking?
To keep the duck moist, it's important to steam the duck for 45 minutes before smoking. This renders excess fat and partially cooks the duck, ensuring a tender result. Also, resting the smoked duck with the lid on allows juices to redistribute, further helping retain moisture.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving for this tea smoked duck?
Each serving (180g) provides approximately 300 kcal, with about 8g of carbs (10% of calories), 27g of protein (36%), and 17g of fat (54%). This makes it a high-protein, moderate-fat dish with relatively low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for those watching carbs or seeking more protein in their meals.
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