Vit Kho Gung (Braised Duck with Ginger)
Serves 6-8

- 10cm/4in fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into thin strips
- ¾ tbsp salt
- 1 fresh duck (about 2 kg)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 500ml/2 cups boiling water
- 1 finger-length red chili, deseeded and sliced
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- Sprigs of celery leaves, to garnish

- Rub ½ of the ginger and the salt onto the duck.
- Set aside for 15 minutes, then rinse and drain.
- Cut the duck into 8 pieces.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Pan-fry the duck pieces for about 7 minutes on each side, until browned.
- Remove from the heat and drain on paper towels.
- Drain off all but 1 tbsp of the oil in the wok.
- Reheat the oil over medium heat and stir-fry the remaining ginger for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the fried duck pieces and season with the fish sauce and sugar, then pour in the boiling water.
- Add the chili and pepper, mix well and simmer covered for about 30 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the duck pieces are tender, then remove from the heat.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot, garnished with celery leaves.