The delightful aroma of roasting duck wafted through the air, transporting me to a bustling street market in Beijing. With each savory morsel, I fondly recalled the vibrant flavors that make Peking Duck a beloved dish. Today, I’ve transformed that memory into a finger-friendly treat with these Crispy Peking Duck Bites with Hoisin and Scallions. Perfect for gatherings, these delectable bites are not only easy to prepare but also a show-stopping appetizer that will leave your guests craving more. The combination of crunchy wonton cups and tender, succulent duck topped with the sweetness of hoisin sauce makes for an irresistible bite. Are you ready to elevate your next party menu with a taste of gourmet Chinese cuisine?

Why are Peking Duck Bites irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite-sized piece is packed with the rich flavors of crispy duck and sweet hoisin, creating a memorable treat that your taste buds will adore.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These appetizers are perfect for gatherings—easy to serve, simple to eat, and sure to impress!
Gourmet Touch: With a few easy steps, you can bring a touch of luxury to your table, much like my favorite Christmas Pizza Bites.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare your wonton cups in advance for a quick setup on party day, similar to my stress-free Tater Tot Appetizer.
Versatility: Feel free to switch things up with chicken or add fresh vegetables, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone at your table.

Peking Duck Bites Ingredients

• Discover the perfect components for your gourmet creation!

For the Duck

Duck Breasts – Choose high-quality, skin-on breast for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Chinese Five Spice Powder – Provides aromatic depth, beautifully complementing the duck’s richness.
Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the dish while rendering fat for that crispy skin.

For the Wonton Cups

Toasted Sesame Oil – Brush this on for a nutty flavor that elevates the wontons.
Wonton Wrappers – These create the crunchy, inviting base; easily found in most grocery stores.

For the Garnish

Scallions – Freshly chopped, these add a wonderful crunch and mild onion flavor that balances the richness.
Hoisin Sauce – Drizzle this sweet and savory sauce on top, it’s a classic pairing with duck that you won’t want to skip!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peking Duck Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting and will help ensure your wonton cups turn golden brown and crisp. While the oven heats, gather your mini muffin tins and a brush for applying sesame oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Cups
Brush the wells of your mini muffin tins generously with toasted sesame oil. Take the wonton wrappers and press them into each well, gently shaping them to fit snugly. Once all wrappers are in place, brush the tops with additional sesame oil to enhance their flavor and promote browning while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Wonton Cups
Place the prepared muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown color. Once done, carefully remove the tins from the oven and allow the wonton cups to cool completely while you prepare the duck.

Step 4: Score the Duck Breasts
Take your high-quality duck breasts and place them skin-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season both sides with Chinese five spice powder and kosher salt, allowing the flavors to penetrate while you heat your sauté pan.

Step 5: Sear the Duck Breasts
Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the duck breasts skin-side down and cook for 10-12 minutes. This step is crucial for rendering the fat, so watch for the skin to become crispy and golden, allowing it to crisp up beautifully while the fat melts.

Step 6: Flip and Finish the Duck
After achieving that crispy skin, carefully flip the duck breasts to cook the flesh side down for an additional 4-5 minutes. You’ll notice the delightful aroma filling your kitchen! Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the duck rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin pieces.

Step 7: Assemble the Peking Duck Bites
Now it’s time to assemble your Peking Duck Bites! Take your cooled wonton cups and place one slice of the tender duck into each cup. Drizzle a generous amount of hoisin sauce over the duck and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Expert Tips for Peking Duck Bites

Crispy Skin Secret: Ensure you score the duck skin properly to allow the fat to render efficiently, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture.

Wonton Prep: Make your wonton cups up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight container to save time on party day.

Flavor Boost: Experiment by using local ingredients or adding julienned cucumber to enhance freshness and add a delightful crunch to your Peking Duck Bites.

Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the wonton cups while baking; overbaking can lead to a brittle texture. Remove when golden brown for optimal crispness.

Quick Assembly: Fill the wonton cups just before serving to maintain their crunch, ensuring your guests enjoy the best texture possible.

What to Serve with Peking Duck Bites?

Elevate your dining experience with complementing dishes that enhance these delightful bites’ flavors and textures.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These add an extra crunch and a variety of fresh vegetables, making for a lively appetizer spread.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: The tender, slightly sweet greens provide a contrasting lightness, balancing the richness of the duck.
Sesame Noodles: A flavorful, nutty dish that pairs beautifully with the savory notes in your Peking Duck Bites.
Chinese Fried Rice: This classic side brings comfort and heartiness, with just the right touch of soy sauce to tie flavors together.
Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: The refreshing crunch and tangy flavor offer a bright, palate-cleansing contrast to rich duck.
Chilled Thai Tea: This sweet, creamy beverage beautifully complements the flavors while providing a refreshing sip.
Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, treat your guests to this delightful dessert that offers creaminess and a hint of tropical flavor.
Plum Wine: A lightly sweet drink that pairs seamlessly, enhancing the Peking Duck Bites’ savory and sweet notes.
Chocolate Ganache Tart: Conclude your meal on a luxurious note with this rich, silky dessert that balances out the meal beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Peking Duck Bites are a wonderful option for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the wonton cups up to 3 days in advance. Simply bake them as directed, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Additionally, you can score and season the duck breasts 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop—just refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, cook the duck as instructed, assemble your Peking Duck Bites, and drizzle with hoisin sauce for a deliciously quick and impressive appetizer!

How to Store and Freeze Peking Duck Bites

Fridge: Store leftover Peking Duck Bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the filling separate from the wonton cups to maintain their crispiness.

Freezer: You can freeze the cooked wonton cups for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for future use.

Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen wonton cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble your Peking Duck Bites just before serving for the best texture, keeping the wonton cups separate until the last minute.

Peking Duck Bites Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists to customize your Peking Duck Bites and make them your own!

Chicken Alternative: Substitute duck with chicken breasts for a lighter, equally savory option that still delivers on flavor.
Spicy Twist: Replace the hoisin sauce with a spicy chili paste for a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds.
Fresh Crunch: Add julienned cucumber and carrots for an extra layer of freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make this a suitable option for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing taste.
Herbed Garnish: Fresh cilantro or mint can replace scallions for a fragrant herb twist; this pairs wonderfully with the rich duck.
Sweet & Tangy: Mix in a touch of orange marmalade with the hoisin sauce for a delightful sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Layered Flavor: Consider adding a layer of cream cheese inside the wonton cups to create a rich and creamy partner to the duck.
Make It Mini: Use smaller wonton wrappers or create bite-sized portions to make these an even more enticing hors d’oeuvre for your gatherings.

These variations allow you to cater to various palates while knowing you have a delicious base to work from. For inspiration, check out my tasty Christmas Pizza Bites or the crowd-pleasing Tater Tot Appetizer to keep the excitement going in your kitchen!

Peking Duck Bites Recipe FAQs

What type of duck should I use for Peking Duck Bites?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality, skin-on duck breasts. The richness of the duck fat is essential for achieving that delightful crispy skin, so don’t compromise on the quality. Look for duck at a trusted butcher or specialty grocery store for the best results.

How should I store leftover Peking Duck Bites?
Very simply! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, it’s best to keep the filling separate from the wonton cups until you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Can I freeze the wonton cups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked wonton cups for up to 1 month. Here’s how: place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to use them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.

What if my duck skin doesn’t get crispy?
If your duck skin isn’t crispy, it might be due to not scoring it deeply enough. Make sure to score in a diamond pattern without cutting into the meat, which helps the fat render properly. Also, starting with a hot pan and cooking skin-side down for the correct time is key. Don’t rush this step—patience pays off with that crunchy texture!

Can I make Peking Duck Bites ahead of time?
Indeed! You can prepare the wonton cups up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure you fill them with duck and hoisin sauce shortly before serving to keep them crispy and fresh for your guests. A little planning goes a long way!