At the table
Ask for the head to be split. Pick off skin and meat in small bites; discard the skull, bill and bones instead of trying to crunch through them.
Contains duck and soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask about chili and the braising mix: commercial blends can contain milk, fish or shellfish. Wings and necks are separate choices, not boneless substitutes.
Contains duck and soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask about chili and the braising mix: commercial blends can contain milk, fish or shellfish. Wings and necks are separate choices, not boneless substitutes.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Contains duck and soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask about chili and the braising mix: commercial blends can contain milk, fish or shellfish. Wings and necks are separate choices, not boneless substitutes.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Duck heads with dark, sweet-salty soy seasoning and aromatic spices, braised then fried. The skin is chewy with crisp edges; little pieces of meat surround many bones.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Duck heads with dark, sweet-salty soy seasoning and aromatic spices, braised then fried. The skin is chewy with crisp edges; little pieces of meat surround many bones.
- How it’s made
- Braise cleaned duck heads in water, soy sauce, sugar and caramelized sugar, rice wine, scallion, ginger, star anise, licorice, Sichuan pepper, tsaoko and cassia. Drain and fry in cooking oil.
Contains duck and soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask about chili and the braising mix: commercial blends can contain milk, fish or shellfish. Wings and necks are separate choices, not boneless substitutes.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: Dongshan in Tainan is associated with this braised-and-fried duck snack.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有东山鸭头吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Dongshan braised-and-fried duck heads
Dongshan's duck snack combines slow flavoring in a sweet soy-spice braise with a final fry. Shops also apply this technique to other duck parts and snacks.