1 duck (4 to 5 pounds)
Water to cover
2 stalks scallions
2 slices fresh ginger root
1 cup sherry
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1. Wipe duck with a damp cloth. Bring water to a boil in a large pan and lower duck in gently. Boil 5 minutes. Drain, discarding liquid. Transfer bird to a large heatproof bowl.
2. Cut scallion stalks in half and slice ginger root; add to duck. Combine sherry, sugar, soy sauce and salt. Pour over duck.
3. Steam 2 hours by the bowl-in-a-pot method (see HOW-TO, _Steaming).
4. Discard scallion stalks and ginger slices. Serve duck hot in steaming bowl.