Peking Roast Duck Pizza: A Culinary Adventure

The memory is as vivid as the first bite: the bustling Chinatown streets, the aroma of roasting duck hanging in the air, and the glistening lacquered skin beckoning from the window. My grandfather, a man of few words but discerning tastes, would always take me for Peking duck after a long day. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience, a connection to our heritage. Years later, craving that familiar comfort with a modern twist, I started experimenting, eventually leading to this Peking Roast Duck Pizza. It’s a playful fusion, a way to savor the flavors of my childhood in a completely new and exciting way.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 2 pizzas
• Dietary Type: Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup plum sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1/3 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 Boboli brand thin large pizza crusts
• 1 Chinese whole roast duck
• 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh Chinese parsley leaves, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Baking pan (half-size)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, plum sauce, dried red chili pepper, salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. This is your flavorful base!
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a half-size baking pan into the oven to preheat for 20 minutes. This ensures a crispy crust.
3. While the oven preheats, place the roast duck onto a cutting board. Using your hands, shred the duck meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and any large pieces of skin if you prefer a less fatty pizza, or leave it on for that authentic Peking duck richness!
4. Place the two pizza crusts onto a flat surface.
5. Brush a generous amount of the plum hoisin sauce mixture onto each pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it’s the key to the unique flavor!
6. Top each pizza crust evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Scatter the shredded duck meat over the cheese.
8. Arrange the thinly sliced sweet onion and Roma tomato slices over the duck.
9. Sprinkle lightly with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. This helps to hold the toppings in place and adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
10. Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven.
11. Transfer the assembled pizzas onto the hot baking pan and place it back into the oven.
12. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pizza crusts are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pizzas, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
13. Once cooked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing.
14. Garnish with fresh Chinese parsley leaves before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crispy Duck Skin: For extra crispy duck skin, you can briefly broil the assembled pizzas for the last minute or two of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
• Make-Ahead Sauce: The hoisin plum sauce mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves time on the day you plan to make the pizzas.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and provolone would add a nice depth of flavor.
• Duck Quality: The quality of your roast duck significantly impacts the final flavor. If possible, get your duck from a reputable Chinese restaurant or market known for its Peking duck.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Peking Roast Duck Pizza immediately while hot and the crust is crispy. This pizza pairs well with a crisp Asian salad with a sesame ginger dressing. For leftovers, store the pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the crust may become less crispy. Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the crust and toppings.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	829.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	653 g	79%
Total Fat	72.6 g	111%
Saturated Fat	26.6 g	133%
Cholesterol	154.1 mg	51%
Sodium	965 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	14.1 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Sugars	5.8 g	N/A
Protein	28.4 g	56%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hoisin plum sauce mixture for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the roast duck with shredded jackfruit marinated in hoisin sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Crust Choice: If you prefer a thicker crust, use a regular Boboli pizza crust or even homemade dough.
• Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or shiitake mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free: Utilize a gluten-free pizza crust as a base.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of roast duck?
A: While Peking duck is traditional, you can use any type of roast duck you prefer. Just be sure to remove the bones and shred the meat before adding it to the pizza.

Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and bake the pizza right before serving for the crispiest crust. However, you can prepare the hoisin plum sauce mixture and shred the duck meat in advance.

Q: What if I don’t have plum sauce?
A: You can substitute plum sauce with apricot jam or a similar fruit preserve. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Is it necessary to preheat the baking pan?
A: Preheating the baking pan helps to ensure a crispy crust. If you don’t have time, you can skip this step, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious on this pizza.

Final Thoughts

This Peking Roast Duck Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a conversation starter, a culinary adventure that blends tradition with innovation. I encourage you to try this unique and flavorful dish, to experiment with your own variations, and to share the experience with friends and family. Let the aromas transport you to the bustling streets of Chinatown and the comforting memories of shared meals. And, as always, I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you come up with! Perhaps a glass of chilled Riesling alongside? Happy cooking!