Oriental Sides to Elevate the Duck Pie

If you leapt at the chance to try our new Duckin' Pie with a hoisin-style sauce then you may be stuck with what to have with it! Unlike most pies that are instantly improved with a healthy dollop of creamy mash, this one calls for something a bit more exotic on the side. Try these simple sides using Oriental elements and be prepared for a scrumptious dinner paired with our new pie, altogether better than a takeaway!

Super simple but so evocative! When we first thought about creating a pie inspired by Chinese New Year, we instantly thought stir-fry! Inside the pie you’ll find finely chopped veggies – a mix of bean sprouts, carrots, courgettes, peppers and red onion. The veg is combined with a beautiful tender duck (sou vide overnight) in a homemade Hoisin-style sauce.

Just because there is stir-fried veg in the pie, there’s no reason it can’t be served with more stir fried veg, just as we have here! Pick from any of these vegetables (or whatever you have on hand!), finely chop and stir-fry them in sesame oil to keep it simple:

Pepper, baby corn, bean sprouts, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, mange tout beans. 

 

There are many to choose from that are widely available in supermarkets. Pak choi or spring greens are great steamed and add instant Oriental pizazz! Leave as they are or add an interesting drizzling of dressing from the list below.

 

Peanut Dressing – nuts are often used in Asian cooking. A peanut dressing to drizzle over your veggies will make them sing.

Miso Dressing - Miso is a paste that you’ll find in the supermarket with a distinct flavour. Made from fermented soybeans, miso is an umami-rich paste and a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Not just for soups, this lovely stuff will enrich any veggie dish. Mix the paste with rice vinegar and honey then drizzle over your veg!

Szechuan 🌶️🌶️🌶️– if you’re a fan of hot foods then this Chinese sauce will be right up your street (although you can make it as hot as you’d like!). A sweet and sour sauce made by combining these ingredients soy sauce, maple syrup, five spice, chilli, garlic, ginger and rice vinegar.

 

Another veg used often in Japanese dishes, these delicious beans packed full of protein can be simply boiled (in under 10 mins) and served as they are. Add a little salt and some chili flakes with a drizzle of sesame oil if you want to up the wow factor!

To recreate this wonderful dish, cooked by our friend James Brooks, top the pie with pickled cabbage and a liberal sprinkling of sesame seeds. Prawn crackers are a must to crunch alongside. And grab a few spring rolls for starters – absolutely non-negotiable!

Our Duckin' Pie is a limited-edition wonder that won't hang around long so grab a couple while you can.