Discover the bold, savory flavors of "Vegetarian Duck Confit," a plant-based twist on the beloved French classic. This recipe swaps traditional duck with tender, protein-rich seitan, slow-cooked in a luxurious infusion of olive oil, garlic, and fragrant herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Enhanced with a smoky depth from liquid smoke and soy sauce, this dish offers a hearty, umami-packed experience that's perfect for vegans and vegetarians craving gourmet comfort food. With only 15 minutes of prep and an oven-baked, hands-off cooking method, this meatless masterpiece is surprisingly easy to make. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for an elegant, restaurant-worthy meal at home. Ideal for special occasions or elevated weeknight dinners, this recipe brings the flavors of classic French cuisine to your plant-based table.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Cut the seitan into thick slices, approximating the size of a duck leg.
In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, add the olive oil and heat gently over medium heat until warm.
Add the garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the warm oil, sauté them gently for 3-4 minutes to infuse the oil with flavors.
Stir in the onion powder, soy sauce, and liquid smoke, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
Gently place the seitan pieces in the infused oil mixture, ensuring they are well submerged.
Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper evenly over the seitan pieces.
Cover the skillet or casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
Bake for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the seitan is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the seitan confit to rest in the oil for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Before serving, you may choose to crisp the edges by placing the pieces under a broiler for a few minutes.
Serve the vegetarian duck confit with your choice of side, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Calories |
2758 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 230.9 g | 296% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.8 g | 179% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3600 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 131.0 g | 262% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 382 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 547 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.