
Experience a masterclass in texture and flavor with these aromatic braised duck legs, deboned and encased in a handmade, laminated crispy dough. Served with a unique mashed fava bean side and tender carrots, this dish is a sophisticated fusion of traditional Chinese aromatics and satisfying crunch.
Prepare the duck: Pat the duck leg quarters thoroughly dry with paper towels. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the duck legs until deeply browned on both sides. Add the star anise, five-spice powder, dried orange peel, peppercorns, cloves, bay leaves, and smashed garlic cloves. Toast the aromatics for 1 minute until fragrant.
Braise the duck: Pour in the Shaoxing wine, water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ground bean sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes, turning the legs occasionally, until the meat is tender. Once cooked, remove the duck to cool. Strain and reserve the braising liquid for later use.
Make the wrap dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with 1/4 cup of hot water and mix. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of cold water and knead for a few minutes until a smooth dough forms. Shape into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
Assemble the wraps: Debone the cooled duck, removing all bones and tendons, then shred the meat. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Roll one portion into a 5x13-inch rectangle. Brush with oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions. Fold the ends toward the middle to create three layers, brush with oil, and fold again. Roll this out into a 6x10-inch rectangle. Place a portion of duck and julienned scallions in the center, drizzle with a little reserved sauce, and fold tightly like a burrito, ensuring the edges are sealed.
Prepare the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok. Sauté the fava beans with garlic, salt, and pepper for 2 minutes. Deglaze with a splash of wine, then add a little water and simmer for 8-10 minutes until soft. Mash the beans into a coarse paste. In a separate pan, sauté julienned carrots in oil and salt until tender.
Final fry and serve: Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the duck wraps until the exterior is golden brown and very crispy on all sides. Warm the remaining reserved braising liquid to use as a dipping sauce. Plate the wraps with the fava bean mash and carrots, garnishing with fresh cilantro and scallions.
For the crispiest wraps, ensure the dough rests properly to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll thin. If you can't find ground bean sauce, you can substitute it with extra hoisin or a bit of miso paste for that fermented depth. To save time, the duck can be braised a day in advance.




