Beer Duck (啤酒鸭) is a popular Chinese dish that combines the rich flavors of duck with the unique aroma of beer. The result is a fragrant, savory, and slightly spicy braised duck that is perfect for sharing over a meal with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) duck, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2-3 dried red chilies, broken (adjust to taste)
• 1 star anise
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar (or rock sugar)
• 1 can (12 oz/355 ml) beer (preferably a Chinese lager or a light beer)
• 1 red or green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Duck:In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the duck pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or pot over medium heat. Add the ginger slices, garlic, dried red chilies, star anise, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using).Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Brown the Duck:Add the blanched duck pieces to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the duck is browned and the skin is slightly crispy.
4. Season and Simmer:Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the wok. Stir well to coat the duck evenly.Pour in the beer and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the duck is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly. Stir occasionally and add a little water if the sauce reduces too much.
5. Add Vegetables:Add the bell pepper chunks and green onions to the wok. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. Finish and Serve:Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir.Transfer the beer duck to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Tips for Perfect Beer Duck:

• Duck: Use a young duck if possible, as it will be more tender. You can also request your butcher to help cut the duck into even pieces.
• Beer Choice: A light beer or Chinese lager works best to complement the dish without overpowering it. Avoid using very bitter or dark beers.
• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of dried red chilies. You can also add more soy sauce or sugar to balance the flavors according to your preference.