Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked duck shredded and glazed with sweet-savory hoisin, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad for balanced flavors. This chinese-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 100 minutes pairs (skin-on) duck legs, tablespoons hoisin sauce, tablespoon rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 85 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place duck legs in a baking dish, skin-side up. Mix hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Brush half the mixture over duck legs.
  2. Step 2: Cover dish with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour until tender. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for 15 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Shred duck meat from bones, discarding skin. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Toss julienned cucumbers, sliced carrots, minced garlic, sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast sesame seeds until golden, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Combine shredded duck with 1/4 cup of the reserved glaze. Serve over cucumber salad, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (15 min prep + 85 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (skin-on) duck legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Shredded Duck with Hoisin Glaze and Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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