Yanling Duck Dumplings

Yanling Duck Dumplings

　　Yanling Duck Dumplings are a specialty of Yanling Town, Danyang City, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. The Yanling Duck Dumplings from Danyang have a light and delicate flavor, neither greasy nor heavy; the meat is tender and fragrant, nourishing to the stomach, and leaves a lingering aroma with every bite.

　　Yanling Duck Dumplings are an intangible cultural heritage of Danyang. The duck dumplings can also be considered a unique delicacy of Danyang. “Duck dumplings” are not dumplings made with duck meat, but rather a delicious duck dish prepared using a special method.

　　Yanling Duck Dumplings were first created during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty and have a history of several hundred years. To make the dumplings, only small local ducks from Yanling Town are used, preferably autumn ducks, as these ducks are unique to the area and thus considered truly exceptional. Over the centuries, countless renowned chefs have continuously refined the cooking methods, gradually developing their own distinctive features.

　　The method of making Yanling Duck Dumplings is as follows: select one plump, healthy autumn duck. After slaughtering, plucking, gutting, and cleaning, briefly boil the duck in a pot, skim off the foam, then add scallions, ginger, yellow wine, fine salt, and seasonings such as five-spice powder and star anise. Simmer the duck in the pot until cooked, then remove it and chop off the head, neck, wings, claws, and spine. Cut the neck and spine into eight pieces, and evenly slice the main body of the duck into eight parts as well. Next, place one piece in each of eight bowls, adding rock sugar to each and filling them with clear broth. Finally, arrange the bowls in a stack inside a bamboo steamer and steam them over high heat for 2–3 hours. Once done, remove the steamer and the dish is complete. When served, the pieces of duck meat in the bowls resemble white dumplings, which is the origin of the name “duck dumplings.” The broth in the bowls is incredibly rich and flavorful, leaving a memorable impression.

　　Autumn is the best season to enjoy the authentic and unique taste of Yanling Duck Dumplings.