Skip to Content

What to Serve with Peking Duck – 35 Easy Sides

There are many different side dishes that go well with peking duck. A great option is a steamed bun. These buns are soft and fluffy, and they soak up the sauce that comes with the duck. The buns are also great because they are easy to eat and are very portable.

What to Serve with Peking Duck

For centuries, Peking Duck has been a symbol of prosperity and high culture.

Read Also: Peking Duck Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Peking Duck

This dish originated during the Ming Dynasty in China, and was originally a way of providing wealthy families with a quick and nutritious meal on the go.

A typical recipe for Peking Duck involves taking a whole duck and placing it in a large pot where the duck is slowly boiled until tender.

The ingredients used in this recipe include various parts of the duck, such as the neck, feet, and gizzard.

In addition, the bones, vegetables, and spices that are added are carefully chosen to ensure that they don’t affect the flavor of the meat.

The meat is then marinated in soy sauce, and is usually served with steamed rice.

To accompany this dish, it is recommended to serve one of the following:

However, you can have these dishes on their own if you prefer.

You will need to decide on the amount of time you want to spend cooking your Peking Duck.

For a quick meal, it is recommended to start cooking the Peking Duck after you are finished making your side dishes.

The process should take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours depending on how long you choose to cook your duck.

It’s important to note that the duck must be cooked in its entirety, so make sure to remove all the meat before serving.

Many of the side dishes you’ll find here are great for making Peking duck more enjoyable.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Peking Duck?

Peking Duck Side Dishes

Peking duck is one of the most delicious dishes out there.

It’s a bit messy, but the payoff is worth it.

With crispy skin and juicy meat, Peking duck is the ultimate treat for the senses.

However, the dish can be difficult to make correctly, as it requires special equipment and an expert cook.

If you want to enjoy this dish at home, then you should start by finding a good source of Peking duck.

Then, you’ll need to get a good recipe to follow.

Once you’ve found a recipe that you like, you’ll need to make sure that you do everything properly to ensure that your meal turns out correctly.

When making your own Peking duck, side dishes are essential.

As you might expect, side dishes provide lots of different flavors and textures.

The most important thing is to try to match up the sides with the meat.

For example, a sweet potato dish could complement the crispy skin and savory meat of Peking duck.

Or, perhaps you could use a tangy salad as a companion to your meal.

What to Serve with Peking Duck – 35 Easy Sides

Peking duck is a popular Chinese dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For instance, it goes well with steamed buns, crispy fried rice, and spring rolls. It also goes well with stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas and green beans.

Here are a few other side dishes that go well with peking duck:

1. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

I love a bowl of steaming canned green beans served alongside my duck! They’re so quick to cook, and they add lots of freshness and flavour to this rich, sweet and sticky Chinese dish.

The trick to getting them just right is to blanch them quickly in boiling water before plunging them into ice cold water, then drain well. It helps to cut them into thirds lengthways before adding to the pan, as it will make them cook more evenly.

2. Pan-Fried Sesame Garlic Tofu

Tofu is such an easy and delicious option for what to serve with peking duck! Just marinate it in soy sauce for half an hour or so, then throw it into a hot wok and fry up a storm. You can either use white, firm tofu, or yellow, soft tofu for this – they’re both delicious!

Once you’ve added the garlic and oil to the wok, just cook everything together for about 5 minutes before adding the duck pieces.

3. Stir-fried Noodles

If you’ve never tried eating duck before, then you’re missing out. It’s delicious, nutritious, and very filling! One thing that makes it even better is the way it’s served, with a side of stir-fried noodles!

It’s quite a heavy dish, so it would be perfect with a lighter option to accompany it. Stir-fried noodles are perfect as they’re full of fresh vegetables and have a light crunchy texture. They’re a great choice if you’re having a vegetarian or vegan dinner party, and they also pair well with the rich flavours of the duck.

4. Arugula Salad

If you’re trying to cut down on the carbs in your diet, then salads are a great choice. The best way to serve this is with lots of fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple. It’s also important to avoid using any processed sugars here.

Arugula is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, so it will give you some extra nutrients to help you recover from all that rich food you’re about to eat!

5. Dauphinoise Potatoes

If you’re going to be serving a dish like peking duck, where there’s lots of rich meaty goodness, you really want to have something nice and substantial on the side. That’s where a plate of dauphinoise potatoes comes in!

They’re basically just a traditional French mash potato made with Gruyere cheese, and they’re delicious hot out of the oven with some butter and garlic. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a hearty, filling, and comforting side dish that will help your guests feel full, and content for hours after eating.

6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A light side dish of sweet potato mash is a lovely accompaniment to a Peking duck meal, as it’s both healthy and filling. It’s also really easy to prepare. Just grate some sweet potato into a bowl and mash it up with a fork or masher, then add some butter and milk.

Read Also: What To Serve With Sweet Potato Mash – 10 Best Side Dishes

The combination of butter and milk means that the dish is rich and creamy, and it tastes great served warm. It’s also great for a chilly winter evening as it’s packed with vitamin C!

7. Mashed Pumpkin

Mashed pumpkin is the perfect accompaniment to pekin duck. This is the same as the traditional Chinese dish, gingko leaf, but it uses pumpkin instead.

If you want to give it a go, boil a pumpkin until soft, then cut it in half and scoop out the insides. Add some salt and pepper to taste and mash it up with a fork. Serve this with some steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!

8. Polenta

Polenta is an Italian staple, and the perfect accompaniment to Peking duck! You can make your own or buy a ready-made packet, and either serve it with the duck or spoon it into a bowl. Some people like their polenta really thick, while others prefer it more like porridge.

Either way, just add some salt, pepper, and hot sauce if you like to kick it up a notch!

9. Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are a great option if you’re looking for something a bit different to serve alongside your Peking duck. Carrots have a lovely flavour, and you can either cook them in the oven or microwave them to preserve their crunch and sweetness.

To do this, simply peel and cut them into batons, toss them in some oil and seasoning, then pop them on a baking tray and bake at 150C (350F) for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle over a splash of honey and you’ll have yourself a dish that’s delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare.

10. Orange Sauce

If you’re going to be making your own orange sauce for your peking duck, it’s a good idea to do so a few days ahead of time, so you can really appreciate the rich flavour of the sauce. Once made, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week, then pour it over the duck when you’re ready to eat.

If you want to make your own, simply mix together two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, a pinch of Chinese five spice powder, a teaspoon of honey, and a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Whisk until well combined, and serve.

11. Roasted Vegetables

When it comes to what to serve with peking duck, I’m all about making sure that my meal has lots of fresh vegetables on the table. I like to serve up lots of roast vegetables alongside my duck.

They really work well with the rich, fatty flavours of this dish and can be served hot or cold as the occasion demands. You can choose from a wide variety here including carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips.

12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are an easy option for any dinner party because they’re ready in a flash, and can easily be prepared ahead of time if you need to. It’s important that you get them ready in plenty of time, though, as they go soft when overcooked.

You can either roast them in the oven, or boil them for a few minutes before tossing in some oil, garlic, and herbs.

13. Grilled Asparagus

Peking duck is an incredibly rich and flavoursome dish, so I always prefer to serve it with lighter, more refreshing side dishes. Grilled asparagus is always a good option, as it offers lots of freshness and crunch alongside the rich flavours of the meat.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17944098506582878/

You can cook this in the microwave if you prefer, or you can choose to grill it on the barbecue to get a nice smoky flavour.

14. Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms

A Peking duck is a dish that most people love, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the main reasons why people will want to serve up a side of Peking duck with a tasty side dish.

I recommend this classic creamy spinach and mushroom dish, which uses a combination of milk, cream, and stock to make an incredibly rich sauce. It’s also great for using up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge, as you can add them in at the end.

15. Redcurrant Gravy

I love this classic gravy, and I always serve it with roasted pork dishes. It’s a really delicious option that will complement the crispy skin perfectly.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so quick to make! Just take a look at the ingredients list below!

16. Pomegranate Salad

If you have a little more time on your hands, make your own pomegranate salad. To do this, take a punnet of fresh pomegranates and cut them in half. Scrape out the seeds using your fingers, and then pop them into a bowl.

Stir in a little lemon juice and some chopped mint leaves, and you’ll have yourself an incredibly healthy side dish to enjoy with your roast chicken or duck.

17. Sweet Chilli and Tomato Jelly

Sweet chili and tomato jelly is the perfect accompaniment to any dish that contains duck. You can’t beat the sweet and savoury combination, and it will certainly liven up your table. It’s also really quick to prepare, as the only ingredient you need is sugar and tomatoes.

You can make it by heating some water in a pan, adding the sugar, and then stirring in the tomato purée. Once the mixture starts bubbling, turn off the heat, stir in some crushed chilli, and pour the mixture into a jelly mould or jar.

18. Fried Egg and Potatoes

If you don’t have much time available for a side dish, fried egg and potatoes are an easy way to round off your meal. This classic British pub staple is a great option when you’re looking for something filling and convenient.

Simply fry up some eggs, and while they’re still hot, put them in a serving bowl with some salt and pepper. Scramble up some home made crispy hash browns too, if you like.

19. Rice Pilaf

Pilaf is a classic rice dish that’s served alongside Asian food dishes. It’s basically a steamed risotto, but instead of using the traditional Italian Arborio rice, you’re given a choice between brown or white rice.

The most important thing here is to get the rice to a fluffy consistency before serving so it absorbs the flavours of the other ingredients. I find that basmati is the best rice for this, but you could use any kind you like!

20. Roasted Chestnuts with Butter and Rosemary

I love to serve these roasted chestnuts with a piece of butter and a sprig of rosemary.

It’s a super simple and delicious combination, which is a great way to make your guests feel welcome and included, especially when you’re hosting a big dinner party.

21. Creamy Garlic Farro with Spinach

Farro is a grain that’s traditionally used in Italian cooking, and it’s perfect when paired with creamy spinach. You’ll need some farro, which is a type of pulse that’s similar to spelt. It has an interesting texture that pairs really well with the soft texture of the spinach.

I like to cook it in boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender. When it’s done, I then drain and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This will also remove any excess starch.

22. Burrata Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

A traditional Greek salad has lots of fresh vegetables, but I love to add some fun and colourful ingredients, like this burrata and blood orange salad.

It works really well with all kinds of meats, so I usually make it up as a side dish for my family if we’re having duck, turkey, or beef.

23. Stir Fried Watercress

If you’re looking for a light option for your duck meal, this is it. A quick stir fry of fresh watercress with a few slices of cooked duck breast is a great way to add some crunch, colour, and freshness to your table.

It’s really easy to prepare, as the only cooking required is boiling the watercress for about two minutes and then draining it in a colander before adding the duck. Just be careful not to overcook it, as watercress has a tendency to get soggy if it’s left too long.

24. Curried Vegetable Basmati Rice

If you love Indian food, I’m sure you’ll know that basmati rice is a must have when you’re having a curry. It’s so fragrant, and it’s perfect alongside a duck dinner.

I like to cook my rice using an onion, garlic, ginger and vegetable stock mix. The combination of vegetables means it’s not only flavourful but also healthy, too.

25. Roasted Beet Salad

This one is really tasty, and works really well with Peking duck! If you’re serving this alongside some crispy skinned Peking duck, it will really complement the flavours beautifully.

The beetroot and dressing provides a natural sweetness that pairs really well with the slightly salty flavour of the duck.

26. Miso Mashed Pumpkin and Potatoes

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time so you can have it in the oven ready for your guests. A good thing to note is that these are usually quite soft, but if you cook them for too long they can turn mushy.

If you want to add a bit of extra texture, mash some leftover roast potatoes into the mix, but don’t over do it as they can be a little bland.

27. Herb Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

If you’re serving peking duck at home, a side serving of roasted potatoes and carrots is a great way to add some extra crunch alongside your main course.

These work really well when cooked in a foil wrapped dish, or in a dish covered in foil, as the heat from the oven cooks them through. Once you’ve peeled the potatoes, slice them in half lengthways so they’ll cook evenly.

Then cut them into sticks about an inch wide and just over an inch long, and toss in a bowl with a generous amount of freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Toss the veggies around so that they’re all coated with the herbs, and set them aside for at least 10 minutes while you preheat the oven.

28. Mediterranean Brussels Sprouts Salad

When you’re cooking duck at home, it’s easy to get carried away by the process and forget to give it a little TLC.

Make sure you let your duck rest for at least 20 minutes after you’ve pulled it apart. This helps it to cook more evenly throughout and also allows the flavour of the marinade to really penetrate the meat.

After that, shred or tear the duck into bite sized pieces, remove any fat, and put them in a bowl with some chopped spring onion and some fresh coriander. Mix together and set aside in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

29. Duck Fat Roasted Root Vegetables

I find that root vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can easily be prepared ahead of time, and you don’t have to do much to bring them to life!

Just peel and chop the vegetables, toss them into a roasting tray, sprinkle over some duck fat, then roast at a medium heat for about 25 minutes.

When they’re cooked, serve with your choice of sauces and dressings. One thing I really like is to serve with a sweet and sour dressing, which is super quick and easy to make. Simply combine equal parts sugar and rice vinegar in a small jar and shake well. This will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, and makes a great addition to your side dish repertoire.

30. Zucchini Noodles

A bowl of freshly made zucchini noodles is so much more satisfying than a pile of boiled pasta – not to mention that they’re a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

You can buy them ready-made in most supermarkets, but if you’re feeling creative, make your own from zucchini, spring onions, and basil.

Simply slice the zucchini lengthways and run a knife through it, removing the seedy centre. You can then use the resulting ribbons to make noodles using a pasta maker.

31. Spicy Red Cabbage and Potato Knodel

Peking duck is known as the ‘king of Chinese food’, and I can see why it’s so popular. It’s a rich and flavoursome dish, and the combination of sweet and sour flavours is something that makes it truly special.

If you want to serve it at home, a delicious and healthy side serving of spicy red cabbage and potato knodel will make the perfect accompaniment to this classic Chinese meal.

The knodel is cooked in exactly the same way as a dumpling, and it tastes even better than the real thing! It’s packed full of fibre, protein, and vitamins, so if you’re trying to eat healthier, you should definitely make your own. You’ll need some flour, an egg, and a bit of milk. I like to add some grated carrot too, as it gives a nice colour contrast to the white dough.

32. Plum Sauce

A lovely accompaniment for peking duck is plum sauce. It goes well with everything from meat and seafood dishes to vegetables and noodles. Plum sauce is made from plums, rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and ginger, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Just put all of your ingredients into a pan and cook over a medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Then allow the sauce to cool before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

33. Red Wine Sauce

Red wine sauce has a real rich, deep flavour, and works really well with Peking duck. The addition of a few drops of sesame oil adds another layer of complexity and warmth to the dish, and a splash of balsamic vinegar helps bring it all together.

You can find a number of different types of duck sauce on the market. I particularly like those that contain honey as they have a much sweeter taste than others.

If you’re making this with your own duck, you’ll need to cook it in a pot of boiling water for an hour or two to get it nice and tender. Once the duck is ready, you’ll want to remove it from the hot water, then place in a container and cool it down until it’s at room temperature. To serve, simply crack the duck open and slice it across the breast, then dip the meat into the sauce before eating!

34. Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Almonds

This is a wonderful side dish for peking duck, which is often served with a rich and creamy sauce made from fermented black beans. It’s also a really great way to use up any leftover duck legs or thighs, as it can be prepared a day ahead of serving time and stored in the fridge until it’s ready to be reheated.

Pilaf dishes like this one are my favourite, as they give you the chance to add lots of fresh seasonal produce to your diet without feeling like you have to compromise on flavour. They’re also super easy to prepare!

35. Green Bean Casserole

There’s nothing more comforting on a cold winter’s day than a steaming bowl of green bean casserole. It’s also the perfect meal if you’re making a family dinner for a small crowd.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/543176405068091457/

Just throw everything into a pot and cook together until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. If you’d like to jazz it up a bit, sprinkle some cheese over the top before you bake it.

FAQ

What to serve with peking duck pancakes?

There are many delicious side dishes that go perfectly with peking duck pancakes. Some popular options include sweet potato fries, garlic mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and fried rice.

What’s the best peking duck sauce?

There are many different types of peking duck sauces on the market, but the most popular ones are sweet, spicy and salty. If you’re looking for something a little bit less sweet, try the salty one.

You can also opt to make your own peking duck sauce at home by using a combination of soy sauce, vinegar and chili paste.

Peking duck sauce vs hoisin sauce: which is better?

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe for your next Chinese New Year dinner, then you’ll want to look into peking duck sauce. It’s a Chinese condiment that’s made with duck or goose, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and scallions.

Hoisin sauce is a sweet, spicy and savory Chinese condiment that’s made with soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar and spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise and ginger. Both sauces can be used to flavor dishes like chicken, pork, beef and seafood.

What’s a great peking duck marinade?

Peking duck is the most famous dish of Chinese cuisine. A great marinade is an important part of making a good peking duck. It should be sweet and salty, and the flavors should complement the duck.

Peking duck is marinated for several days or weeks to tenderize the meat. The most popular way of doing this is by using a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, sugar and spices. Once the meat has been marinated, it is then roasted in an oven at a high temperature until the skin turns golden brown.

How do you serve and eat Peking duck?

You can enjoy the crispy skin, juicy meat, and sweet and sour sauce of Peking duck in the same way you would any other roasted poultry dish.

However, it’s a little different when you’re eating it at home. Since the meat is so tender, you’ll want to remove the bones first. Then you’ll have to carefully pull off the meat to get all of it out. You can then cut the meat into bite-size pieces and serve on a plate with the sauce.

Peking duck is traditionally served with pancakes and sweet sauce, but it can also be served with noodles, rice, and other types of Asian dishes. If you’re having guests over for dinner, you can serve it on a platter with a variety of sides.

What do you serve with Chinese BBQ duck?

The perfect side dish for Chinese BBQ duck is a sweet potato dish. Sweet potatoes have a mild flavor that goes well with the delicate flavors of duck. You can make a simple sweet potato dish by using a gratin style of cooking or you can go all out and make an elaborate recipe.

What dessert goes with Peking duck?

If you’re looking for a sweet dessert to go with your Peking duck, you can opt for a pudding, custard, or a bread pudding. However, if you’re looking for something a little more on the savory side, then a green tea cheesecake or a brown sugar pie might be the perfect dessert to go with your duck.

Conclusion

There are so many great options when it comes to serving duck, and you don’t have to use traditional side dishes to pair it with.

Instead, try any of the recipes above.

Peking duck is a Chinese dish that is popular around the world.

If you want to make a complete meal out of it, serve it with any of these side dishes, which are just as delicious as it is.

They include egg noodles with cashews, crispy rice noodles with vegetables, green beans with almonds, Chinese cabbage salad, and sautéed spinach.

The list goes on and on.

There are so many great options for serving duck that are equally delicious.

You won’t regret trying any of these dishes out.

Peking Duck Sides

35 Easy Side Dishes For Peking Duck

A delicious side dish for peking duck is a perfect complement to the rich flavors and textures of this dish. For instance, you may choose to serve roasted sweet potatoes or sauteed broccoli as your side dish.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
  • Pan-Fried Sesame Garlic Tofu
  • Stir-fried Noodles
  • Arugula Salad
  • Dauphinoise Potatoes
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Mashed Pumpkin
  • Polenta
  • Glazed Carrots
  • Orange Sauce
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Grilled Asparagus
  • Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms
  • Redcurrant Gravy
  • Pomegranate Salad
  • Sweet Chilli and Tomato Jelly
  • Fried Egg and Potatoes
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Roasted Chestnuts with Butter and Rosemary
  • Creamy Garlic Farro with Spinach
  • Burrata Blood Orange and Fennel Salad
  • Stir Fried Watercress
  • Curried Vegetable Basmati Rice
  • Roasted Beet Salad
  • Miso Mashed Pumpkin and Potatoes
  • Herb Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
  • Mediterranean Brussels Sprouts Salad
  • Duck Fat Roasted Root Vegetables
  • Zucchini Noodles
  • Spicy Red Cabbage and Potato Knodel
  • Plum Sauce
  • Red Wine Sauce
  • Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Almonds
  • Green Bean Casserole

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these tasty and easy side dishes.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy your duck dinner in no time!
Keyword Peking Duck Side Dishes, What to serve with Peking Duck
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

Recipe Rating