The term "Peking duck" refers to a delicious dish beloved by many. The word "Peking" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription [piːˈkɪŋ], as the "p" sound is pronounced as it is written, followed by a long "ee" sound represented by "iː." The "k" is then pronounced as a hard "k" sound, and the "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound. The final sound is represented by "ŋ," which is a nasal consonant pronounced at the back of the mouth. Altogether, Peking duck is a tasty and phonetically intriguing dish.
Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish that originated in Beijing (formerly known as Peking) and has gained tremendous popularity worldwide. It is a highly distinguished and specialized culinary delight known for its succulent meat and crispy skin.
Peking duck is made from a specific breed of duck that is carefully bred and raised to develop lean, tender meat. The preparation process is quite intricate and time-consuming. First, the duck is thoroughly cleaned, and air is pumped under its skin to detach it from the meat. Then, the duck is coated with a sweet and aromatic mixture of sauces, such as soybean paste, maltose, and various spices, both inside and outside the carcass.
Next, the duck is hung to dry for several hours, allowing the skin to become crispy. Finally, it is roasted in a special oven for approximately 45 minutes, cooked until the skin turns golden brown, and the meat becomes tender and juicy.
The result is a visually impressive dish typically served with thin pancakes or steamed buns, along with various condiments such as cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin sauce. The classic eating style involves wrapping a piece of succulent duck meat, a strip of crispy skin, and condiments in a pancake or bun, creating a delectable combination of flavors and textures.
Peking duck is renowned for its rich flavor, enticing aroma, and irresistible presentation, making it a popular choice for special occasions and Chinese fine dining. It offers a harmonious balance of tender meat and crispy skin, creating a unique gastronomic experience.
The word "Peking duck" originates from the Chinese dish known as "Běijīng kǎoyā" (北京烤鸭) in Mandarin. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Běijīng (北京): Běijīng is the Mandarin pronunciation of the Chinese characters 北 (Běi) meaning "north" and 京 (Jīng) meaning "capital". So, Běijīng translates to "Northern Capital", referring to the city of Beijing, which was historically recognized as the capital of China.
2. Kǎoyā (烤鸭): Kǎoyā translates to "roasted duck", combining the character 烤 (Kǎo) meaning "roasted" and 鸭 (Yā) meaning "duck".