Recipe - Smoked Duck Bao Buns

Here's a recipe for Smoked Duck Bao Buns—a delicious combination of tender smoked duck and soft, fluffy bao buns:

Ingredients:

For the Smoked Duck:

• 1 whole duck breast (with skin)

• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2-3 wood chips (for smoking, such as applewood or hickory)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Bao Buns:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ½ cup warm water

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

For the Filling and Garnishes:

• Hoisin sauce

• Thinly sliced cucumbers

• Scallions (thinly sliced)

• Pickled radish or carrots (optional)

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Smoked Duck:

1. Marinate the Duck: Rub the duck breast with a mix of five-spice powder, sea salt, and sugar. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to about 225°F (107°C). Use applewood or hickory wood chips for a nice smoky flavor. If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoker box or even a stovetop smoker.

3. Smoke the Duck: Place the duck breast skin-side up in the smoker. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. You can cook longer if you prefer a more well-done texture.

4. Glaze the Duck: Mix soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. In the last 10 minutes of smoking, brush the duck with the glaze to add sweetness and a beautiful sheen.

5. Rest and Slice: Remove the duck from the smoker, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly.

Making the Bao Buns:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, milk, oil, and baking powder.

2. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 10-12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into an oval shape. Brush with a bit of oil, then fold in half.

4. Steam the Buns: Place the shaped buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch. Steam over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

Assembling the Bao Buns:

1. Fill the Buns: Carefully open the steamed bao buns and spread a little hoisin sauce inside each one.

2. Add the Smoked Duck: Place a few slices of smoked duck in each bun.

3. Garnish: Add sliced cucumbers, scallions, pickled radish or carrots, and fresh cilantro, if desired.

4. Serve: Enjoy your smoked duck bao buns while they’re warm!

These Smoked Duck Bao Buns are perfect for gatherings or a special dinner, offering a beautiful mix of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors with the fresh crunch of vegetables. Enjoy!