Peking Duck

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare the duck: The day before you plan to serve the duck, remove and discard the fat just inside the body cavities.
2. 2
   Remove the package of giblets and set aside for another use.
3. 3
   Rinse the duck, inside and out, under cold running water, then drain and blot dry, inside and out, with paper towels.
4. 4
   Place the duck in a roasting pan and let stand, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight to dry out the skin.
5. 5
   Season the body cavity of the duck with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the five-spice powder.
6. 6
   Place the garlic clove, scallion, and ginger slices in the body cavity, then turn the duck over on its breast so that the back side is up.
7. 7
   Using the tip of a sharp, slender knife, make a small slit in the fatty part of the duck under each wing and a slit on the underside of each thigh.
8. 8
   Prick the duck skin all over with a sharp carving fork, being careful not to pierce the meat.
9. 9
   Brush the outside of the duck all over with the sesame oil and rub the skin all over with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder and some salt and pepper.
10. 10
    Set the grill up for indirect grilling, place a large drip pan in the center, and preheat the grill to medium-low.
11. 11
    When ready to cook, place the duck, breast side up, on the hot grill grate over the drip pan.
12. 12
    Cover the grill and cook the duck for 1 1/2 hours.
13. 13
    If using a charcoal grill, youll need to add 10 to 12 fresh coals to each side after each hour of cooking.
14. 14
    Meanwhile, make the sauce: Combine the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, and minced garlic and ginger in a small, heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
15. 15
    Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, until well flavored and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
16. 16
    After it has cooked for 1 1/2 hours, turn the duck on its end over a bowl to drain off any juices that have accumulated in the cavity and discard the juices.
17. 17
    Prick the skin again with a fork and make fresh slits under the wings and thighs to encourage draining.
18. 18
    Continue cooking the duck until the skin is mahogany brown and crackling crisp and the meat is well-done and tender, 30 to 45 minutes longer.
19. 19
    When done, an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh, but not touching the bone, should register about 170F.
20. 20
    To serve: Transfer the duck to a platter.
21. 21
    Present it to your guests, then using a sharp knife, carve the skin and meat off the bones (you may want to do this in the kitchen).
22. 22
    Spoon the sauce into small bowls or ramekins, one per guest.
23. 23
    Arrange the duck meat and skin on one platter, the Scallion Crepes and scallion brushes on another.
24. 24
    Have each guest brush a crepe with sauce, using a scallion brush.
25. 25
    Place a slice of duck skin and meat on the crepe (and a scallion brush, if desired) and roll it into a cone for eating.
26. 26
    Note:Youll need to allow a couple of hours for soaking the scallion brushes.