What are the best side dishes with Peking duck? This celebrated Chinese delicacy is perfectly complemented by Asian-infused sides like egg fried rice, vegetable chow mein, egg foo young, and stir-fried bok choy. Keep it traditional with Mandarin pancakes, or add a sweet, crisp, and refreshing touch with Asian slaw, a cucumber and cantaloupe salad, or a vibrant citrus salad.
Peking duck is an age-old Chinese delicacy that must be honored with an exquisite and delectable side dish. You just might find it difficult to pick only one out of the amazing options below:
Mandarin Pancakes
For a truly authentic meal, wrap up crispy slices of Peking duck in warm Mandarin pancakes.
The taste of these thin and crispy pancakes is fairly neutral, so they won’t detract from the exquisite flavors of the main dish.
Combine 2 cups of cake flour and 1 cup of boiling water until it forms a dough. Transfer the pancake dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth.
Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 16 evenly-sized pieces. Roll each piece into discs, about 2 inches (5cm) in diameter. Lightly brush the tops with sesame oil.
Make ‘sandwiches’ by placing one disc on top of the other, oiled sides together. Roll each pair into 6-inch (15cm) wide pancakes. Fry each side until it bubbles and lightly browns.
Gently separate the sandwiches into 16 pancakes. Serve warm with hoisin/plum sauce, chopped green onions, kimchi or diced cucumber, and slices of Peking duck.
Pineapple Egg Fried Rice
Transform your meal into a Chinese banquet with a dish that’s brimming with flavor, color, and goodness. The addition of sweet pineapple adds a unique twist, and offsets the duck’s rich, savory flavor.
Cold, previously cooked rice is key to the delicious taste and crispy texture. This family favorite is a breeze to prepare and a superb way to use leftover vegetables.
Scramble 4 eggs for about a minute and set aside. In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and sauté 1-2 cups of diced mixed vegetables (onions, carrots, peppers, peas, corn, mushrooms) in sesame oil until tender.
Add 1 cup diced pineapple and 4 cups of cooked and chilled jasmine or basmati rice. Season to taste with Chinese five-spice, soy sauce, and white pepper. Stir and cook until heated through.
Add the scrambled eggs, mix to combine, and cook for another minute. Garnish with sliced scallions.
Vegetable Chow Mein
Takeout-style stir-fried noodles make a terrific accompaniment for Peking duck. A satisfying and flavorful one-pan dish to elevate and complete the meal perfectly.
A bed of comforting noodles is adorned with crunchy vegetables and coated in a mouthwatering sauce bursting with umami flavor. Bring out the chopsticks for an authentic dining experience.
Prepare the sauce by mixing 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 3 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons each rice vinegar and oyster sauce. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large wok/skillet and sauté 1 thinly sliced onion, carrot, and red pepper until tender. Add ½ cup thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms, celery, and zucchini. Season and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the sauce and 8oz (230g) cooked egg/Chow Mein noodles. Toss to combine and stir-fry until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Top with slices of Peking duck and garnish with diced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Vegetable Egg Foo Young
Crave-worthy egg foo young is a delightful and unique pairing for Peking duck. The soft and fluffy omelet offers fantastic contrast to the crispy duck skin.
This dish is super versatile and enables you to utilize the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to add extra protein such as cooked shrimp, pork, or tofu.
In a large mixing bowl, beat 4-5 eggs before adding 2 teaspoons soy sauce, ½ cup diced onion, ¼ cup each of chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, and scallions. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat a wok/pan over high heat and lightly coat the base with vegetable oil. Reduce heat to medium and pour in about ½ cup of the egg mixture. Fry until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
Repeat with the remaining mixture. Enjoy warm with hoisin/sweet and sour sauce. Garnish with chopped chives.
Stir-Fried Sesame And Ginger Bok Choy
Tender-crisp bok choy infused with incredible Asian flavors will complement a serving of Peking duck perfectly. This simple side adds incredible texture and depth while still allowing the flavors of the main dish to shine.
Toasted sesame seeds bring the dish together with layers of irresistible crunch and a slight nuttiness. Serve stir-fried bok choy over steamed rice or fried noodles for a heartier side.
Make the sauce by combining 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside.
In a large skillet/wok, sauté 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves in oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 14oz (400g) roughly chopped baby bok choy and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Drizzle with the sauce, toss to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with diced scallions and pepper flakes.
Asian Slaw
Coleslaw with a twist of Asian flair. This side dish rounds off Peking duck beautifully with its crisp and refreshing qualities. The sweet, tangy, nutty flavors offset the spicy, savory notes of the meat.
Shredded veggies and toasted peanuts fulfill the necessary crunch factor, while the delicious satay sauce adds creaminess and a nutty flavor to the plate. This vibrant oriental salad looks gorgeous alongside the crisp and tender sliced duck.
Prepare the satay dressing by mixing ¼ cup peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 tablespoon each soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
In a salad bowl/serving platter, layer 4 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup grated carrots, ½ sliced red bell pepper, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro.
Pour satay dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Season to taste and top with sliced green onions and toasted peanuts.
Citrus Salad
Add a pop of color and satisfying crunch with a charming citrus salad. Sweet and juicy oranges pair exceptionally well with Peking duck, balancing its bold, savory flavor and crisp texture.
Arugula and mint leaves are refreshing with their peppery and herbaceous taste, while avocado and baby radish provide substance and heartiness to the meal.
Layer the base of a large salad bowl with arugula and mixed greens. Add thin slices of baby radish, avocado, and cucumber. Top with orange and grapefruit segments, fresh mint leaves, and toasted walnuts.
Season to taste and lightly drizzle with olive oil, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Serve the warm Peking duck slices alongside or on top of the salad.
Cucumber And Cantaloupe Salad
Serve your Peking duck with a beautiful cucumber and cantaloupe salad for a unique and elegant touch. This fuss-free side is delicate in taste and texture, which complements the main dish exceptionally well.
Cucumber ribbons add a fresh and cooling contrast to the warm and spicy duck, and the cantaloupe melon provides enough sweetness to cut through the strong savory spices.
Create the salad with long ribbons of shaved cucumber, balled or diced cantaloupe melon, and torn butter lettuce leaves. Add crumbled feta, pickled red onion, and a few roughly chopped basil leaves.
Dress the salad with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with toasted cashews for added crunch.
Best Beverage Pairings For Peking Duck
Peking duck seeks a wine that can stand up to its bold, sweet, and sour flavor profile.
Grenache, Shiraz, and Zinfandel are spicy, fruit-forward red wines that balance the duck’s robust Asian spices and crispy skin.
Pinot Noir and Peking duck are widely regarded as the go-to pairing. The wine’s fruity notes offset the meat’s intense flavors, while the moderate acidity cuts through the fattiness of the duck.
Floral and fruity Spätlese Riesling has the right sweetness and acidity to accentuate the Peking duck’s sour plum sauce and aromatic seasoning.
Light-bodied, highly acidic bubblies like Prosecco and Brut Champagne offset the meat’s richness while enabling its complex flavors to shine.
Best Sauces For Peking Duck
Peking duck is traditionally served with sweet and fruity plum sauce, which complements the bold aromatics and spices used to season the meat.
The crispy skin pairs remarkably well with Hoisin sauce, as it creates a mouthwatering umami flavor.
Drizzle Chinese sweet and sour sauce over slices of Peking duck for a deliciously sweet and tangy twist.
Sweet chili or Sriracha sauce is an excellent option for the heat seekers.