1. Gather the Ingredients

   Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients:

   • 1 whole duck (around 4-5 pounds)
   • 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
   • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
   • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
   • 2 tablespoons honey
   • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Prepare the Duck

   Start by cleaning the duck thoroughly and patting it dry. Then, using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crisscross pattern. This will help the fat render out during roasting.

3. Marinate the Duck

   In a small bowl, mix together the five-spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the duck, making sure to get it into the scored skin. Let the duck marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

4. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. Roast the Duck

   Place the marinated duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the duck with its own juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Rest and Serve

   Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender. Serve the Chinese roast duck with steamed pancakes, sliced cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin sauce for a traditional presentation.

Enjoy your homemade authentic Chinese roast duck!

For more detailed instructions and variations, you can refer to reputable sources such as:

• Serious Eats' Chinese Roast Duck Recipe
• The Spruce Eats' Chinese Crispy Roast Duck Recipe
• Food & Wine's Crispy Chinese Roast Duck Recipe