Iconic Beijing roast duck with lacquered, crackling skin is served with pancakes and scallion. A high protein family celebration dish with fresh, elegant presentation.
Clean the duck inside and out; pat dry thoroughly. Trim excess fat and prick the skin all over with a skewer to help render fat.
Pour 4 cups boiling water over the duck to tighten the skin, then drain and pat dry again. Hang or refrigerate the duck uncovered for at least 8 hours to air-dry the skin—crucial for crispness.
Mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Chinese five-spice powder. Glaze the duck generously, especially over the skin.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place duck breast-side up on a rack set in a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour, then baste with glaze. Increase temperature to 425°F and roast another 20–30 minutes for deeply browned, crisp skin.
Rest the duck for 15 minutes before carving. Thinly slice the duck breast and serve with mandarin pancakes, sliced scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce.