Peking duck is a showstopper, no debate there.
This iconic Chinese delicacy, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, makes for an unforgettable meal.
However, the real magic happens when you pair it with the perfect side dishes.
These combos elevate the dining experience from great to downright unforgettable.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, selecting the right accompaniments is key.
In this article, we've rounded up 7 best side dishes that harmonize beautifully with Peking duck.
Get ready to impress your guests and your taste buds. Keep reading to discover these game-changing pairings!
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Peking Duck?
Just like any other type of meat, duck meat can be nauseous if eaten alone.
Indeed, when hungry, you will have a few good bites, and you will love the taste.
But then, having a full meal like that will not do you any good.
You need something to enhance the flavors of peking duck, but you should also find something that cancels some of its bad properties.
Some foods work great to complement the taste, while others are better as contrasting flavors.
All in all, a side dish for peking duck is a must, or the meal will feel too heavy.
What to Serve with Peking Duck? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are some of the most common options for peking duck.
1 - Duck Fat French Fries
You can never go wrong with French fries when it comes to meat.
Whether you fry them or bake them in the oven, throw some salt on top, or perhaps some grated cheese, French fries work wonders.
Now, this particular recipe goes even further because it infuses the duck flavors into potatoes.
Forget about oil for your fries - get some duck fat, and you will be rewarded with some crispy fries and unique flavors.
2 - Balsamic Mushroom Spinach Salad
Get a light salad, and you will annihilate such problems straight away.
No matter how rich the duck is, a leafy salad will balance everything.
In theory, you can use pretty much anything you want for this salad.
Some options are better than others - spinach has a nice flavor and is rich in all kinds of minerals and nutrients.
On the same note, mushrooms will bring in a completely different experience.
Top everything up with some balsamic dressing and enjoy.
3 - Cheesy Potato Wedges
Potatoes are excellent as side dishes, regardless of how you cook them.
French fries are classic, but if you are not into something skinny, opt for wedges instead.
Do yourself a favor and prepare everything yourself - you can buy them frozen, but their aroma is richer when you do everything yourself.
Also, bake them until you get a crispy golden surface, throw some grated mozzarella on top and bake for another minute.
The outcome will leave your mouth watering.
Stick to mild cheeses if you do not want to make this meal even heavier.
4 - Roasted Pepper Salad and Feta
A colorful side will make the difference if you want to impress someone, but it also has to taste great.
Get some bell peppers and roast them - great side so far.
You can make it better though.
Bring in some olives and some tangy feta cubes - mix everything.
In terms of aromas and flavors, you can use some toasted pine nuts, as well as fresh basil.
The combo tastes great and brings in a mix of different textures - your taste buds will thank you for it.
5 - Crispy Pickled Cabbage
Anything that could become a salad is a good side dish for peking duck, and cabbage makes no exception.
Fresh cabbage is not bad either, especially if you mix it with a few other greens.
However, pickled cabbage is even better because of its unique aroma - mix it with duck, and you will get an unusual combo.
Furthermore, since duck meat is soft and tender, the crispy nature of pickled cabbage will make the dish more exciting.
It is also light and works wonders with a heavy type of meat.
6 - Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized Onions
Potatoes are so versatile that you can always match them with a meaty dish.
Mashed potatoes are basic and easy to prepare - again, make everything yourself for a better aroma.
Prepare the caramelized onions too.
As you get ready to finish the mashed potatoes, mix in the caramelized onions and stir.
Make sure you get an even distribution of onion pieces throughout the potatoes.
This side dish - just like the actual peking duck - should be served warm.
You can also garnish with a leaf or two - choose something that you can actually taste, such as spinach.
7 - Roasted Chestnuts with Butter and Rosemary
Looking for something more sophisticated to impress someone?
Get some chestnuts and roast them first - there are lots of recipes over the Internet.
Even if you have never had chestnuts before, they are relatively simple to prepare.
Make sure you use plenty of butter in the process - it softens them, and it adds some unique flavors.
Once you are done cooking them, get some rosemary and top the side dish.
Both the roasted chestnuts and peking duck should be served hot.
Unlike other side dishes, this one will take just over half an hour to be ready.
