Blocky Glazed Duck of the Overworld (Trader Joe's Edition)

• •2 piece Whole Ducks (approx. 5-6 lbs each, cleaned, giblets removed (check your local Trader Joe's for availability, especially around holidays))
• •2 tbsp Kosher Salt
• •1 tbsp Chinese Five-Spice Powder
• •1 tsp Black Pepper
• •8 cup Water (for boiling skin)
• •1 cup Honey (for glaze)
• •0.5 cup Soy Sauce (for glaze (use Trader Joe's Tamari for gluten-free))
• •0.3 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed, for glaze (from Trader Joe's oranges))
• •2 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated, for glaze)
• •1 tsp Garlic Powder (for glaze)
• •0.5 cup Soy Sauce (for Nether Wart Sauce (use Trader Joe's Tamari for gluten-free))
• •0.3 cup Brown Sugar (packed, for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •0.3 cup Rice Vinegar (for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •3 clove Fresh Garlic (minced, for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated, for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •2 piece Star Anise (whole, for Nether Wart Sauce (check Trader Joe's spice aisle))
• •0.5 cup Vegetable Broth (for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •1 tbsp Cornstarch (for slurry, for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •2 tbsp Cold Water (for slurry, for Nether Wart Sauce)
• •20 piece Mandarin Pancakes (homemade 'Crafting Table Pancakes' using Trader Joe's flour, or use Trader Joe's flour tortillas as a convenient substitute)
• •1 bunch Scallions ('Emerald Scallions', thinly sliced)
• •1 piece Cucumber ('Diamond Cucumber Sticks', cut into matchsticks)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Ducks: Pat the ducks extremely dry inside and out with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin! Prick the skin all over with a fork, being careful not to pierce the meat. Combine kosher salt, five-spice powder, and black pepper, then rub generously all over the ducks.

2. 2

   Blanch the Skin: Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower one duck into the boiling water (or pour boiling water over it if your pot isn't large enough), turning it to ensure all skin is submerged for about 30 seconds. Remove and repeat with the second duck. This tightens the skin for maximum crispiness. Place ducks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

3. 3

   Air Dry: Let the ducks air dry in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The drier the skin, the crispier it will be! You can also use a fan to speed up the process for an hour or two.

4. 4

   Make the Golden Carrot Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine Trader Joe's honey, soy sauce (or Tamari), orange juice, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until well combined and slightly thickened. Set aside.

5. 5

   Make the Nether Wart Sauce: In another small saucepan, combine Trader Joe's soy sauce (or Tamari), brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, whole star anise, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove star anise. Set aside to cool.

6. 6

   Preheat Oven & Glaze: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wire rack with ducks on a sturdy baking sheet. Brush the ducks generously with the Golden Carrot Glaze, ensuring an even coating. Reserve some glaze for later.

7. 7

   Roast the Ducks: Place the ducks in the preheated oven, breast-side up. Roast for 1 hour. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Continue roasting for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). Every 30 minutes, baste with pan drippings or brush with remaining Golden Carrot Glaze.

8. 8

   Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ducks from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Carve the ducks into 'blocky' pieces or thin slices. Serve with warm homemade 'Crafting Table Pancakes' (made with Trader Joe's flour) or Trader Joe's flour tortillas, 'Emerald Scallions', 'Diamond Cucumber Sticks', and the rich 'Nether Wart Sauce'.

Chef's Tips

• 💡The secret to super crispy duck skin is dryness! Don't skip the air-drying step; it's a game-changer.
• 💡For even more flavor, stuff the duck cavities with an apple half, onion quarter, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary before roasting.
• 💡Warm your 'Crafting Table Pancakes' (or Trader Joe's flour tortillas) by steaming them briefly or wrapping them in foil and heating them in a low oven for a few minutes.