Lightly stir-fry the duck drumsticks in a wok with a little vegetable oil, then transfer to a pot and add the black dates. Set aside.

Mix the ingredients for the seasoning together in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Re-heat the wok with some vegetable oil and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, spring onion and bean paste until fragrant. Add the seasoning sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour mixture over drumstick. Continue cooking over high heat for about 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat and simmer for another 30 minutes until the duck drumstick meat is tender. Arrange the cooked drumstick on a serving plate. Add dissolved cornstarch into the wok to thicken the sauce and then pour sauce over the stewed duck. Add a serving of cooked seasonal vegetables on the side and serve hot.