Five-Spice Braised Duck (Vịt quay)

Vịt quay, or Five-Spice Braised Duck, is a classic Vietnamese dish that features tender duck infused with aromatic spices and a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for special occasions and family gatherings.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Vietnamese Duck Braised Five Spice
Five-Spice Braised Duck (Vịt quay)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole duck, about 4-5 pounds, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey to create a marinade.
  3. Rub the marinade all over the duck, inside and out. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the duck on all sides until golden brown.
  5. Add the chicken broth, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the duck for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  7. Remove the duck from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  8. Meanwhile, strain the braising liquid and skim off any excess fat. Reduce the liquid in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
  9. Carve the duck and serve with the reduced braising sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of five-spice powder.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Fat
20g
Carbohydrates
15g

Supplies

Large pot or Dutch oven Small bowl Saucepan

Tools

Knife Cutting board Oven

Serving suggestions

Vịt quay is traditionally served with steamed white rice and pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips & tricks

For extra crispy skin, you can briefly broil the duck under the oven's broiler before serving.

Cost

$25