Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roast duck coated in a rich soy and honey glaze infused with aromatic five-spice powder, creating a glossy, caramelized skin and tender meat. This chinese-inspired quick meals ready in about 95 minutes pairs whole duck, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Chinese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse 4 lbs whole duck and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Rub the duck inside and out with 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, massaging evenly to season the skin and cavity.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar to create the glaze.
  4. Step 4: Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up and roast for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the soy-honey glaze using a brush to build a deep caramelized finish.
  5. Step 5: Increase oven temperature to 425°F and roast for an additional 15 minutes, basting one last time, until skin is crisp and dark golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole duck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Soy-Glazed Roast Duck with Five-Spice?

Chinese quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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