Duck Sping Rolls with Dipping Sauces

Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces Recipe from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender duck meat with fresh herbs and vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy spring roll wrapper. The dish is served with two different dipping sauces - a tangy rhubarb cherry sauce and a savory peanut sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

History

Spring rolls have a long history in Asian cuisine, with variations of the dish being enjoyed in countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand. The addition of duck meat to the spring rolls adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more indulgent spring roll experience.

Ingredients

6 spring roll wrappers
6 sage leaves
6 basil leaves
6 cilantro leaves
6 slices zucchini, thinly sliced on a mandolin paper 2 x 4, steamed until tender
6 slices sweet potatoes, sliced on a mandolin paper thin 2 x 4, steamed until tender
2 – 3 oz (85 g) of cooked duck, thinly sliced into 6 portions

Rhubarb Cherry Sauce

1 tsp balsamic vinegar
0.25 cup chopped rhubarb
0.25 cup cherry preserves
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp sliced scallions for garnish

Peanut Sauce

1 tbsp water
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce
0.5 tsp sesame oil
1 pinch chili pepper flakes
1 Thai pepper, finely diced (use as much or as little as you like) for garnish

How to prepare

In a saucepan, heat all the ingredients for the rhubarb cherry sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender.
Using a hand blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and garnish with scallions. Set aside.
Heat all the ingredients for the peanut sauce until well blended.
Transfer the peanut sauce to a small bowl and garnish with peppers. Set aside.
Soak the spring rolls in a bowl of room temperature water to soften.
Place the softened spring rolls on a work surface and layer each with herbs and the remaining ingredients, slightly off center.
Roll the spring rolls, folding in the sides, and continue rolling to seal them, similar to an egg roll.
Slice each spring roll in half diagonally and place them cut side up.
Serve the spring rolls along with the sauces.

Variations

Substitute the duck meat with chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Add shredded cabbage or carrots to the filling for extra crunch and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and vegetables to customize the spring rolls to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the duck meat to ensure that it cooks evenly and is tender.

- Steaming the zucchini and sweet potatoes before adding them to the spring rolls helps to soften them and bring out their natural flavors.

- Soaking the spring roll wrappers in water before filling and rolling them helps to make them pliable and easier to work with.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces as an appetizer or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. Pair with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the zucchini and sweet potatoes before adding them to the spring rolls helps to soften them and bring out their natural flavors.

- Rolling the spring rolls tightly and sealing them properly ensures that they hold together during frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or tofu instead of duck for a different protein option.

- Substitute the rhubarb cherry sauce with a sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The spring rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry. The dipping sauces can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and sliced peppers for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve the dipping sauces in small bowls alongside the spring rolls for easy dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a chilled green tea or sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the spring rolls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and gluten from the spring roll wrappers.

Summary

Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mary in her quaint little village in the countryside. Mary had always been known for her delicious homemade meals, and she was eager to share one of her favorite recipes with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up on old times, Mary suddenly got up from her chair and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged a few minutes later with a big grin on her face, holding a dusty old cookbook in her hands.

"I have a special recipe to share with you today," Mary said excitedly. "It's for Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces. I learned it from a friend of mine who used to travel to Asia a lot. It's a bit of a fusion dish, but trust me, it's absolutely delicious."

I watched in awe as Mary flipped through the pages of the cookbook, pointing out the ingredients and explaining the cooking process in detail. The recipe called for tender duck meat, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a variety of sauces for dipping. It seemed like a time-consuming dish to prepare, but Mary assured me that the end result would be well worth the effort.

With Mary's guidance, we set to work in her kitchen, meticulously chopping, marinating, and assembling the ingredients for the Duck Spring Rolls. The aroma of the duck cooking in the oven filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

After what felt like hours of preparation, the Duck Spring Rolls were finally ready to be served. Mary plated them beautifully, garnishing them with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sweet and tangy dipping sauce. I took my first bite, and I was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

The tender duck meat was perfectly complemented by the crunchy vegetables and the crispy spring roll wrapper. The dipping sauces added an extra layer of complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and making it truly unforgettable. I savored every bite, savoring the memories of that day spent in Mary's kitchen, learning a new recipe that would become a favorite in my own repertoire.

Since that day, I have made Duck Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauces countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about the dish and begged for the recipe. It has become a staple at family gatherings and dinner parties, a dish that never fails to impress and delight.

I am grateful to Mary for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, for opening my eyes to the world of fusion cuisine and inspiring me to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with others. And thanks to Mary and her Duck Spring Rolls, I have added a new chapter to my culinary journey, one filled with delicious memories and unforgettable tastes.