Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb butterfish, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb taro leaves, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 banana leaf, cut into 8-inch squares
- 8 pieces of string, 12 inches long
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Steamer basket
- Kitchen twine
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut milk, Hawaiian salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ginger powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
2. Add the pork, chicken, and butterfish to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Place a steamer basket in a large pot and add enough water to come up to the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Take a banana leaf square and place a few taro leaves in the center. Add a few pieces of pork, chicken, and butterfish on top of the taro leaves.
5. Fold the banana leaf over the filling to create a packet. Tie the packet closed with a piece of string.
6. Repeat with the remaining banana leaf squares and filling.
7. Place the packets in the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. Steam for 3 hours.
8. Remove the packets from the steamer basket and carefully cut the string to open the packets.
9. Serve the Lau Lau hot with rice.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours or overnight
Cooking time: 3 hours
Temperature:
Steam at high heat for 3 hours.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 40g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with pork belly or pork loin.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts.
- Butterfish can be substituted with any firm white fish.
- Taro leaves can be substituted with spinach or kale.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions and tomatoes to the filling.
- Use shrimp instead of pork, chicken, and fish.
- Wrap the filling in ti leaves instead of banana leaves.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to tie the packets tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.
- If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or a metal strainer.
- Lau Lau can also be cooked in an imu (underground oven) for a smoky flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover Lau Lau can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat Lau Lau, steam it for 10-15 minutes or microwave it for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve Lau Lau on a platter with a side of rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Garnishes:
Chopped green onions or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve Lau Lau with a side of macaroni salad or potato salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice
- Macaroni salad
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the filling falls out of the packet, tie it tighter next time.
- If the banana leaf tears, use a second layer of banana leaf to wrap the filling.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the Lau Lau thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork and chicken are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
Lau Lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish that originated from the Polynesian settlers who brought taro leaves to Hawaii. It is typically served at luaus and other special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
Lau Lau has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the marinade and coconut milk. The taro leaves add a slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Lau Lau as a main dish with a side of rice and macaroni salad. It is also a great dish to bring to a potluck or barbecue.
Related Categories
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Region: Hawaiian
Taste: Savory, Salty, Umami, Rich, Comforting