| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 240 | 8g | 1g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 4g | 11g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Chinese Vegetarian Taro Duck
Evolving my culinary expression with my Montana roots as the stable foundation, I continuously venture into crafting innovative dishes that blend the known with the unexplored. This Chinese recipe, called Vegetarian Taro Duck, is one solid testament to this philosophy.
A Dish That Transcends Tradition
Widely celebrated in traditional Chinese cuisine, the classic Taro Duck is known for its complex flavors and unique texture contrasts. As a version honoring vegetarian sensibilities, our Vegetarian Taro Duck maintains a delightful harmony of these attributes, without stepping into the realms of animal produce. As an experimental chef, I always find recipe developments such as this, incredibly inspiring.
While this recipe might not have been directly inspired by an established chef, the underlying culinary philosophy resonates with the principles of innovative chefs like Gordon Ramsay, who often advocates for culinary creativity based on traditional foundations.
The Unexpected Fusion of Flavors
The components notably inclusive of fresh taro, bean curd sheets, and the punchy blends of garlic and ginger, orchestrate a tantalizing fusion of flavors. Add in the umami notes from shiitake mushrooms and a blend of soy sauces, and you have a sensory experience waiting to take over.
This recipe, in its vibrancy of flavors and textures, can be quite similar to a classic Peking Duck or even Mushroom Wellington, minus the meat, of course. It shines as a standalone dish, yet it also plays well when paired with light, steamed vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
So, what makes me love the Vegetarian Taro Duck recipe? It’s about challenging the norms, pushing the boundaries of traditional culinary wisdom, yet respecting it. It’s about creating a dish that everyone, regardless of diet preferences, can enjoy. And most importantly, it’s about continuing my journey to discover and share new flavors, right here with you.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh taro
- 4 pieces bean curd sheets
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup vegetarian stir-fry sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned bamboo shoots, drained
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Peel and cut the fresh taro into two-inch chunks. Set aside. Rinse off the bean curd sheets and trim into pieces, roughly the same size as the taro.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sliced ginger. Cook until they become aromatic, it should take about a minute. Don’t let them brown.
Step Three
Add the taro to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking onto the pan. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
Add the light and dark soy sauce, sugar, and vegetarian stir-fry sauce to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the taro and mushrooms are fully coated with the sauces.
Step Five
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
After 15 minutes, add the drained bamboo shoots and the bean curd pieces. Cover the pan again and continue simmering for another 15 minutes. This gives the bean curd time to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step Seven
Uncover the pan and stir in the mixed cornstarch and water. This will thicken the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is at your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eight
Finally, garnish the dish with chopped green onions before removing it from the heat. Your Vegetarian Taro Duck is ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious and hearty vegetarian dish!
