Side Dishes and Drink Pairings for Peking Duck

Peking Duck has long been a traditional favorite in China. Today its popularity is spreading around the world. Some relish biting into the crispy outer skin of prepared Peking Duck.

Others enjoy the Chinese-style pancakes, cucumbers, and spring onions that come with it. Most pair the duck with different side dishes and wines, but may not know which ones to choose. Fortunately, the delicious roasted meat goes well with a variety of other foods and drinks.

Egg or Rice Noodles

Noodles are another staple of Chinese culture, which means that any authentic Chinese restaurant should already have them on hand. People have many options with noodles, including egg-based or rice based, hot or cold, and cooked or raw. 

There are nearly unlimited choices when it comes to what to place on top of the noodles, although most people choose some type of chopped vegetable. Perhaps the best part of pairing noodles with Peking Duck is that they are very filling, and no one will walk away from the table hungry.

A Salad or Mashed Potatoes

Salads make a good accompaniment to most meals, and Peking Duck is no exception. Red beet salad seems to go particularly well with duck meat. Mashed potatoes are another option for people who prefer not to eat greens. 

Stirring in sweet and caramelized onions while preparing the mashed potatoes give the side dish extra flavor. Flavored onions also enhance the combination of crispy skin and juicy meat in the main dish.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

This simple yet delicious snack or side dish goes well with most meals containing Chinese food. People can make vegetable spring rolls at home and stuff them with whatever meats and vegetables they would like. 

Chinese restaurants also carry this food as a staple item. Cabbage is a popular filling for spring rolls because people enjoy the crunchiness it creates. Many also enjoy having two crunchy foods in one meal.

Steamed Rice

It is hard to go wrong when choosing rice to go with any Chinese meal. Steamed white rice goes well with Peking Duck because it is slightly chewy and fluffy. 

People preparing a meal of Peking Duck at home can eat the steamed rice on its own or make it part of a bowl of chicken and rice soup. Either way, rice makes a warm and delicious comfort food and a tasty accompaniment to Peking Duck.

Choosing the Perfect Wine to Accompany a Meal of Peking Duck

Peking Duck is hot, sweet, bitter, and salty, factors that people should definitely consider when selecting a wine to drink with it. The seasoned meat is also fatty and rich with quite a bit of plum sauce. 

Off-dry white wine goes well with Peking Duck because it brings out its flavors, especially the sweetness. White wines with a bright acidity factor, low alcohol content, and only a tiny amount of oak tend to make the best pairings.

Red wines with a fruity flavor help to draw out the flavor of meat’s plum sauce. Three brand names that fit this description are Grenache, Zinfandel, and Shiraz. The richness and creaminess of red wine offsets the spicy, sweet, and rich taste of the meat to make for happy taste buds.