Ultimate Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze: Juicy & Bold Flavor

Anna

Sharing stories, traditions, and flavors

There’s something irresistible about the warm, aromatic blend of five spice powder mingling with the rich, crispy skin of roasted duck. One evening, craving a break from the usual dinner routine, I whipped up this Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze—and it quickly became a new favorite. The tangy-sweet plum glaze perfectly balances the savory depth of the duck, making every bite a harmonious dance of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or savor an exquisite homemade meal, this recipe delivers elegance with surprisingly simple steps. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

Why choose Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze?

Irresistible Flavor: The aromatic five spice infuses every bite with warmth and depth. Perfectly Crispy Skin: Roasting creates a golden, crackling exterior that’s pure delight. Tangy-Sweet Balance: The plum glaze adds a luscious contrast to the rich duck. Impress Without Stress: Simple steps lead to an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish. Versatile Elegance: Ideal for special occasions or elevating weeknight dinners. Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the bold, harmonious flavors that feel gourmet yet homemade.

Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze Ingredients

For the Duck and Marinade

Whole duck (4-5 lbs) – Choose fresh or fully thawed for the crispiest skin and perfect roasting.
Chinese five spice powder – The star seasoning that brings warmth and complexity to your duck.
Salt – Enhances flavor and helps dry out the skin for crispiness.
Ground white pepper – Adds subtle heat without overpowering the aromatic spices.
Soy sauce – Deepens umami and helps the glaze adhere beautifully.

For the Plum Glaze

Plum preserves or jam – Provides the sweet and tangy base that contrasts the rich duck.
Rice vinegar – Adds a balancing touch of acidity to brighten the glaze.
Honey – Natural sweetness that also helps caramelize the skin during roasting.
Fresh ginger (grated) – Adds a zingy warmth that complements the five spice.
Garlic (minced) – Boosts savory depth with a gentle pungency.

Optional Garnishes and Serving

Scallions (sliced) – Brings freshness and a mild crunch for the final presentation.
Sesame seeds – Lightly toasted for texture and nutty aroma.

This carefully curated Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze ingredient list ensures a harmony of juicy, bold flavors that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant.

How to Make Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze

Score the Skin: Pat the duck dry with paper towels, then use a sharp knife to lightly score the skin in a diamond pattern. This ensures crispy, crackling skin when roasted.
Marinate the Duck: Combine five spice powder, salt, white pepper, and soy sauce; rub all over and inside the cavity. Cover and chill 2 hours or overnight for deep flavor.
Preheat Oven: Position the rack in the middle and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate heat lets the duck render fat and roast evenly.
Roast the Duck: Place the bird breast-side up on a rack over a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes until skin is golden.
For the Plum Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk plum preserves, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Simmer over low heat 3–5 minutes until smooth.
Glaze and Finish: Brush the plum glaze all over the duck, then increase oven to 425°F and roast 10 more minutes. The skin should be glossy, sticky, and caramelized.
Rest and Serve: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes to seal juices. Carve the duck into slices and garnish with scallions before serving.

Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze

Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Pat the duck completely dry before scoring to ensure extra crispy skin and prevent steaming during roasting.
Marinate Overnight: For the richest flavor, marinate the duck at least 6 hours or overnight—this allows the five spice to deeply infuse the meat.
Score the Skin Lightly: Avoid cutting too deep when scoring; just pierce the skin to help fat render while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Baste Regularly: Basting every 20 minutes locks in moisture and builds the glossy, caramelized finish essential to this plum glaze recipe.
Rest Before Carving: Let the duck rest 10 minutes post-roast to seal in juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.
Watch the Glaze Heat: Simmer plum glaze gently to prevent burning and bitterness; a smooth, balanced glaze is key to the dish’s harmony.

Five Spice Roasted Duck Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists that enhance your Five Spice Roasted Duck experience!

Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an aromatic twist that complements the five spice. Let your kitchen fill with comforting herbal notes.
Plum Substitute: Use apricot or cherry preserves instead of plum for a different sweet and tangy flavor that’s equally enticing. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness, adding variety to your dish.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or sriracha into the plum glaze if you love heat; this will ignite your taste buds in every mouthful. The heat can enhance the sweetness, creating a dynamic flavor blend.
Fruit Medley: Include diced fresh fruit like peaches or oranges with the glaze for a burst of freshness that plays beautifully against the rich duck. The fruitiness can elevate each bite, bringing additional layers of taste.
Citrus Zest: Zest a lime or orange into the marinade for a refreshing twist that brightens the dish; citrus notes add a lively zing to the rich flavors. Just imagine that zesty pop upon each bite!
Smoke Infusion: For a deeper, smoky flavor, use smoked salt instead of regular salt in the marinade. This brings a unique layer to the duck’s taste profile. It’s like adding a hint of barbecue to your elegant dish!
Sweet Glaze: Increase the honey in your glaze or consider adding maple syrup for a warmer, more complex sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. The deeper notes from maple provide a unique seasonal touch.
Vegetable Accompaniment: Roast seasonal vegetables alongside the duck for a wholesome, colorful side; think carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. This not only adds nutrition but also creates a stunning presentation.

Every variation invites you to explore, allowing each roast to be uniquely yours!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze ahead of time is a game-changer for busy cooks! You can marinate the duck up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat. Simply rub the five spice mixture over the duck and place it in a covered dish in the refrigerator. The plum glaze can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently before glazing the duck. When ready to serve, simply follow the roasting instructions, adding an extra 10 minutes at 425°F for that perfect caramelization. By prepping these components ahead, you’ll save time and serve a dish that’s just as delicious and elegant as if prepared fresh!

What to Serve with Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze?

Gather around the table and let your senses be enveloped by a medley of flavors and textures that beautifully complement the baked duck.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the rich flavors of the duck and glaze, providing a delightful base.
Garlic Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly stir-fried in garlic, this vibrant green side adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the duck.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and creamy texture of roasted sweet potatoes harmonize perfectly with the savory elements of the dish.
Cucumber Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad with a sesame dressing offers a bright contrast to the warm, bold duck.
Miso Soup: This umami-rich soup brings comforting warmth to the meal, echoing the savory notes of the duck without overpowering it.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc elevates the dining experience, balancing the dish’s flavors with its crisp acidity.
Chocolate Ganache Tart: For dessert, serve a slice of rich chocolate ganache tart; its bittersweet depth pairs beautifully with the duck’s sweetness.
Sesame Crusted Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, serve crispy sesame tofu. Its nutty flavor essence complements the primary dish while offering additional protein.

How to Store and Freeze Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze

Room Temperature: Let the duck cool completely before storing, but it should not be left out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.

Fridge: Store any leftover roasted duck in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat moist and flavors intact.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the duck tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating: Thaw the duck in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore its crispy skin and juicy meat.

Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the duck I’m using is fresh or thawed properly?
Choose a duck that is fresh or fully thawed with no dark spots or discoloration. The skin should be dry and pale without any unpleasant odor. If frozen, thaw the duck in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to ensure it’s evenly thawed for the best roasting results.

What’s the best way to store leftover Five Spice Roasted Duck with Plum Glaze?
After roasting, allow the duck to cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to keep it safe and delicious.

Can I freeze the roasted duck and plum glaze? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, first wrap the duck tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 months. Freeze the plum glaze separately in a sealed container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat both before serving.

What if my duck skin isn’t getting crispy?
Don’t worry, this can happen if the skin isn’t dry enough or the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to pat the duck completely dry before scoring and roasting. Also, roast at the suggested temperature, and baste every 20 minutes to build that irresistible golden crust. Resting the duck after roasting also helps the skin stay crisp.

Is this recipe safe for people with allergies or pets?
This recipe contains soy sauce which has soy and wheat (gluten), so it’s not suitable for those with soy or gluten allergies unless you substitute with a gluten-free tamari. The duck and glaze should never be given to pets, as ingredients like garlic, onion, and plum can be toxic to them. Always keep human food separate from pet diets.