Dinner

Duck Bao Recipe

ByElara Stone November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Duck bao is a delicious fusion of tender, spiced duck breast paired with fluffy steamed buns and flavorful toppings. This recipe balances crispy skin, savory meat, and fresh crunchy vegetables for a perfect bite every time. It’s a fun and impressive dish to make at home for friends or family.

Two bao buns sit open, each filled with layers. The bottom layer is bright purple shredded cabbage, soft and fresh. On top of that is a thick, crispy piece of golden brown pork with a crunchy texture. Resting on the pork are small red slices of chili pepper and fresh green cilantro leaves. Light tan creamy sauce is drizzled over the pork, adding a smooth contrast. The bao buns are soft and pale white, slightly puffy, folding over the fillings. Scattered around are more cilantro leaves, chili slices, and small beige peanut pieces over a white marbled texture. A white bowl with a creamy sauce sits in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10-12 bao buns
2 duck breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons Chinese five spice
½ cup kewpie mayo
¼ cup hoisin sauce
1-2 long red chillies, finely sliced
2 cups finely sliced red cabbage
Fresh coriander (cilantro), to serve
Sesame seeds and/or crushed roasted peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Take the duck breasts out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin in a ½ inch criss-cross pattern without cutting into the meat.
Step 2: Rub the olive oil and salt all over the duck breasts. Place them skin side down and sprinkle the Chinese five spice over the meat side, rubbing it in gently with your hands.
Step 3: Place the duck breasts skin side down into a cold large skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 8 minutes to render the fat and crisp the skin, until golden brown.
Step 4: Flip the duck breasts and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. Then stand the breasts up on their fattest side and sear for 1 minute.
Step 5: While the duck cooks, prepare the fillings and steam the bao buns. Mix kewpie mayo and hoisin sauce together in a small bowl for the sauce.
Step 6: Remove the duck from the pan and place skin side up on a chopping board. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to retain juices.
Step 7: Slice the duck thinly. Fill each steamed bao bun with slices of duck, red cabbage, sliced chillies, coriander, and drizzle with the mayo-hoisin sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts to finish.
Step 8: Enjoy your homemade duck bao! Please take a moment to leave a comment and rating — it’s much appreciated and helps others discover this recipe.

Tips & Variations

Score the duck skin carefully to help render fat and achieve crispy skin without cutting into the meat.
If you can’t find kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise mixed with a little rice vinegar and sugar makes a good substitute.
Add pickled vegetables like carrots or daikon for extra crunch and tang.
Toast sesame seeds or peanuts lightly to deepen their flavor before sprinkling on the finished bao.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked duck in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to preserve crispiness. Bao buns are best eaten fresh but can be reheated by steaming for a few minutes or microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white soft bun sandwich held by a person's hand, filled with several layers: at the bottom, bright purple shredded cabbage, followed by thin slices of red chili pepper, a few green cilantro leaves on top, and golden-brown crispy cooked meat strips in the middle. A light creamy sauce is drizzled over the meat and vegetables. The background shows a white marbled texture with scattered cilantro leaves and some out-of-focus bowls and ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use duck thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, duck thighs work well but have different cooking times and textures. They are more tender but less crispy, so adjust cooking accordingly and score the skin if it has any.

How do I steam bao buns at home?

You can steam bao buns using a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer basket placed over simmering water. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fluffy.