Sep 04 2026

Vegan Hoisin Duck Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves6

VEGAN HOISIN DUCK WITH CUCUMBER & SPRING ONION SALAD IN A VEGAN BUTTER BUN

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Ingredients

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Vegan Hoisin 'Duck' (seitan)

Method

Vegan Hoisin 'Duck' (seitan)

  1. 1

    Make dry mix

    In a large bowl whisk together vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper and smoked paprika until evenly combined.

  2. 2

    Mix wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl combine miso paste, soy sauce and 0.75 cups water. Whisk until miso dissolves and mixture is smooth.

  3. 3

    Form dough

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then knead in the bowl (or on a lightly floured surface) for 3–5 minutes until elastic and cohesive. If too dry add up to 2 tbsp water; if too wet add 1–2 tbsp vital wheat gluten.

  4. 4

    Shape pieces

    Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a roughly 6–7 inch oval about 1/2 inch thick — these will be your 'duck' fillets.

  5. 5

    Steam seitan

    Wrap each oval loosely in foil (to catch any condensation) or place in a steamer basket. Steam over simmering water for 30 minutes, covered. This sets the seitan structure.

  6. 6

    Cool and slice

    Remove steamed seitan and let cool for 10 minutes. Slice each oval diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces or into desired 'plum' slices that mimic duck breast strips.

  7. 7

    Pan-sear and crisp

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add seitan slices in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Hoisin Glaze

  1. 8

    Combine glaze

    In a small saucepan combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, optional chili paste and 2 tbsp water. Whisk together until smooth.

  2. 9

    Simmer

    Bring glaze to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened but still pourable. Remove from heat and keep warm.

  3. 10

    Glaze seitan

    Brush or toss the seared seitan slices with about half the glaze, returning them to the pan for 30–60 seconds per side to set the glaze. Reserve remaining glaze for serving.

Cucumber & Spring Onion Salad

  1. 11

    Prep vegetables

    Thinly slice the cucumber into ribbons (use a peeler for long ribbons) or half-moons. Slice spring onions on the diagonal into thin pieces, keeping some of the white and green parts separate for garnish.

  2. 12

    Make dressing

    Whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper until combined.

  3. 13

    Toss and rest

    Toss cucumber and most of the sliced spring onions with the dressing. Let sit 10 minutes to marinate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and mix gently just before assembly.

Vegan Butter Buns

  1. 14

    Make dough

    In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl) combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add warm plant milk, warm water and oil. Mix with dough hook on low until combined, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes.

  2. 15

    First rise

    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

  3. 16

    Shape buns

    Punch down dough, divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a baking tray lined with parchment, spaced to allow expansion.

  4. 17

    Second rise

    Cover and let the buns rise until puffy, about 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 10 minutes of proofing.

  5. 18

    Bake and finish

    Brush buns lightly with melted vegan butter or oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until golden on top. Remove and brush again with remaining vegan butter. Cool slightly before slicing open for assembly.

Assembly & Garnish

  1. 19

    Slice buns

    Slice each bun horizontally but not all the way through so it opens like a pocket.

  2. 20

    Layer components

    Spread a little extra hoisin glaze on the inside of each bun. Add a small handful (about 2–3 pieces) of glazed seitan 'duck' strips, a spoonful of cucumber & spring onion salad (about 2 tbsp), and some thin cucumber ribbons and spring onion slices for crunch.

  3. 21

    Finish and serve

    Drizzle a little of the reserved hoisin glaze over the filling, scatter a few cilantro leaves and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while seitan is warm. Provides 6 buns (servings) total.