[Chinese New Year] Tea Smoked Duck with Rice Noodle Salad and a lesson in Mandarin
Prep Time25 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Ingredients
For the duck
1duck breast per person
2tea bagsadd an extra 1 tea bag per extra duck breast
1tablespoonbrown sugarand an extra 1 teaspoon per extra duck breast
1teaspoonChinese five spiceand an extra ½ teaspoon per extra duck breast
For the salad
1bag of fresh rice noodles
5spring onionsthinly sliced
1red pepperthinly sliced
1carrotthinly sliced
Sesame seeds
Fresh coriander
For the dressing
3tablespoonsesame oil
6tablespoonsoy sauce
½a chillifinely chopped
Juice of a lime
½inchcubed of root gingergrated
1teaspoonbrown sugar
Instructions
*For the tea smoked duck:*First things first, line your wok with heavy duty tin foil. Empty 2 tea bags, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of Chinese five spice into the wok.
In a second, smaller, frying pan heat a little oil. Score the fat on your duck breast in a criss-cross pattern and place, fat-side-down into the heated oil. Let this cook for a few mins until it has crisped up and is golden.
Whilst the fat of the duck is crisping up, place a wire rack over the wok and then place the lid on top ensuring there are no gaps for any steam/smoke to escape. Turn the heat on high and begin “cooking” the tea.
Once the fat has crisped up and smoke has begun to form under the wok lid, transfer the duck to the wire rack. Place the lid back on top and let the meat smoke for 12-15mins.
Once cooked allow it to rest for 8mins or so, slice diagonally and serve.
For the salad: Cook the rice noodles as per the instructions.
Once cooked, toss with the thinly sliced vegetables and the coriander leaves.
Mix the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and drizzle over the noodles/salad vegetables. Sprinkle over some sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
Top tip: this is going to create a lot of smoke! Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area and avoid wearing clothes you don’t want to smell of tea afterwards!!!