Cantonese Roast Pigeon
A classic Cantonese delicacy, this roast pigeon is known for its incredibly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Marinated with a blend of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and honey, it offers a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 each Young squab (pigeon)(cleaned and trussed, about 400g each)
- 30 ml Light soy sauce
- 15 ml Dark soy sauce
- 30 ml Honey
- 30 ml Rice wine or dry sherry
- 0.5 tsp Five-spice powder
- 0.25 tsp White pepper, freshly ground
- 10 g Garlic, minced(about 2 cloves)
- 10 g Ginger, grated(about 1 tablespoon)
- 120 ml Water
- 15 ml White or rice vinegar
- 5 g Baking powder(1 teaspoon)
- 5 g Salt(1 teaspoon)
- 1 liter Peanut oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, white pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Mix well.
- 2
Marinate the pigeons: Place cleaned pigeons in a resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight (12-24 hours) for deeper flavor.
- 3
Rinse and dry the pigeons: Remove pigeons from the marinade and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. For extra crispy skin, air dry them in front of a fan or in a dehydrator for several hours until the skin feels like parchment.
- 4
Prepare the blanching solution: In a large pot, bring water, vinegar, baking powder, and salt to a boil.
- 5
Blanch the pigeons: Carefully lower the dried pigeons into the boiling liquid using tongs. Blanch for 3 minutes. This helps to crisp the skin.
- 6
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place a roasting rack inside a drip pan.
- 7
Initial roast: Place the pigeons breast-side up on the roasting rack. Roast for 25 minutes.
- 8
Glaze and increase heat: Brush the reserved marinade (from step 1) over the birds. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F).
- 9
Final roast for crispness: Continue roasting for another 15–20 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden brown and crackling. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). Rotate pans if needed for even browning.
- 10
Rest and serve: Let the pigeons rest for 5 minutes before carving. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the pigeons are thoroughly dried before roasting for the crispiest skin.
- ✓Don't skip the blanching step; it's crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- ✓If you don't have a fan, you can air dry the pigeons on a rack in a cool, well-ventilated area.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, add 1 tsp chili oil and ½ tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder to the marinade.
- Substitute young duck for a richer flavor, extending the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
- For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.