Laulau Recipe

Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes  

   Prep Time: 30 minutes

Laulau Ingredients

Laulau Instructions

  1. Lay the taro leaves flat, remove any tough stems, and thoroughly wash each leaf under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork shoulder cubes, chicken thigh pieces, and salted butterfish. Add the Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced scallions, diced Maui onion, chili flakes (if using), brown sugar, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all the protein pieces with the seasonings and aromatics.
  3. Take two taro leaves and overlap them to form a sturdy base. Place a portion of the protein filling (including a piece each of pork, chicken, and butterfish, along with some of the aromatics) in the center of the leaves.
  4. Fold the sides of the taro leaves over the filling, then roll up tightly from the bottom to the top, creating a compact parcel. Repeat with the remaining taro leaves and filling to make eight parcels.
  5. Lay a ti leaf flat and place a taro leaf parcel in the center. Fold the ti leaf over the parcel from both sides, then fold up the bottom and roll tightly. Secure the parcel by tying it with a strip of ti leaf or kitchen twine. Repeat for all parcels.
  6. Arrange the wrapped laulau parcels in a steamer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and steam can circulate around each parcel.
  7. Steam the laulau over simmering water for 3 to 4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water does not run dry. The taro leaves should become very tender and the proteins fully cooked.
  8. Check for doneness by unwrapping one parcel and ensuring the taro leaves are soft and the meat is tender and cooked through. Serve hot, discarding the ti leaf wrapper before eating.

Estimated Calories: 410, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

Healthy Laulau Tips

To enhance the health benefits of this authentic Hawaiian dish, one can modify the traditional Laulau recipe by selecting leaner cuts of meat or opting for plant-based proteins. Swapping out fatty pork for skinless chicken breast, turkey, or even tofu can significantly reduce saturated fat content while maintaining the delicious, homemade flavor that makes this recipe so beloved. Incorporating more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, alongside the classic taro leaves, boosts the dish’s fiber and micronutrient profile, making it a perfect, easy way to increase daily vegetable intake. For those seeking a quick and simple approach to health, steaming rather than boiling the Laulau helps preserve vitamins and minerals, ensuring the best nutritional value in every tasty bite.
Another health-focused tip for preparing the best Laulau at home is to be mindful of sodium levels. Traditional recipes often call for salted fish or added salt, but using fresh fish or reducing the amount of salt can make the dish more heart-friendly without sacrificing that authentic, delicious taste. Experimenting with herbs and spices as alternative flavor enhancers is a quick and easy way to keep the recipe both tasty and healthy. For those who want to know how to make the perfect, healthy Laulau, focusing on fresh, whole ingredients and mindful preparation methods is key. With these simple tips, anyone can enjoy a homemade, authentic Laulau that’s as good for health as it is for the taste buds—no grass skirt required.

Storage Tips

When considering storage, laulau is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its delicious flavor and texture. For those looking for an easy and healthy way to store leftovers, wrapping laulau tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating is a good method. This approach helps prevent the dish from absorbing other odors and keeps it moist, making it a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy laulau over several days.
Shelf life is an important factor for anyone preparing this recipe in advance or dealing with leftovers. Properly stored, laulau will remain good in the refrigerator for up to three to four days, which is a fast and convenient solution for meal planning. For longer storage, freezing laulau is a quick and effective method, allowing it to last for up to two months without significant loss of quality, making it a great choice for those who want to prepare meals ahead of time.
Reheating laulau is best done by steaming or microwaving, as these methods help retain the healthy and delicious qualities of the dish. Steaming is a good way to ensure the laulau remains moist and flavorful, while microwaving offers a fast and easy solution for those in a hurry. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to sprinkle a little water over the laulau before reheating, which helps preserve its texture and makes the meal taste as fresh as when it was first prepared.

About Laulau Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the best, most delicious, and authentic recipe to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen, look no further than this easy Laulau dish! This homemade recipe is the perfect way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, even if you’re not a professional chef. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll learn how to make a tasty meal that’s both traditional and satisfying. Plus, you’ll get all the tips you need to make sure your Laulau turns out just right—no ukulele required (unless you want to serenade your dinner guests).
The secret to the best Laulau recipe is all in the ingredients and the wrapping technique. You’ll need tender pork, butterfish, and fresh taro leaves to create that authentic flavor everyone craves. Don’t worry if you can’t find taro leaves at your local store—spinach or collard greens make a quick and easy substitute. The key is to wrap everything up tight, steam it to perfection, and let those flavors mingle like they’re at a luau. If you’re wondering how to make this dish even more delicious, here’s a tip: don’t skimp on the seasoning! A little sea salt goes a long way in making your homemade Laulau the best it can be.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for a simple, tasty recipe to try, this Laulau is sure to become a favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a celebration. With these easy steps and helpful tips, you’ll master how to make the perfect Laulau every time. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, authentic Hawaiian meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Who knew making the best Laulau could be this easy and tasty?

Laulau Quick Mistake Fixes

When laulau turns out too salty, it can overshadow the natural flavors that make this dish so delicious. The best approach to avoid this is to be mindful of the salt content in each component, especially if using salted meats or fish. A good tip is to soak salted ingredients in water before assembling, which helps draw out excess salt and results in a more balanced, healthy meal. If the laulau is already cooked and tastes too salty, serving it with a bland starch like steamed rice can help mellow the flavors and make the meal more enjoyable.
Overcooking laulau can lead to a dry or tough texture, which detracts from the dish’s appeal. The best laulau is moist and tender, so it is important to monitor cooking time and temperature closely. A great way to ensure a juicy result is to check for doneness periodically, as overcooking can happen quickly, especially with lean proteins. If the laulau does end up dry, a quick fix is to drizzle a little broth or a light sauce over the top before serving, which can help restore some moisture and make the dish more palatable.
Balancing flavors with last minute changes is sometimes necessary, especially if the laulau tastes bland or lacks depth. A fast and easy way to enhance flavor is to add a splash of citrus juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. This quick adjustment can brighten the dish and bring out the best in the other ingredients. For those seeking a more robust taste, a small amount of a healthy, flavorful condiment on the side can make a good difference, ensuring the final meal is both satisfying and delicious.

Laulau Story

When the dish was first served at a small family gathering, one guest’s reaction stood out among the rest. Known for her discerning palate and preference for healthy meals, she hesitated at first but soon found herself reaching for a second helping. She declared it the best version she had ever tasted, surprising everyone with her enthusiasm. Her praise was not just for the flavor but also for how the recipe managed to be both delicious and easy to enjoy, even for those unfamiliar with the dish.
Later, she confided that she had always thought such meals required hours of preparation and complicated steps. The realization that this particular approach was both quick and fast to assemble challenged her assumptions. She asked for the recipe, eager to recreate the experience at home, and remarked on how good it felt to discover something new that fit her busy lifestyle without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
That interaction lingered in the cook’s memory, serving as a reminder of the impact a great meal can have beyond the table. It was not just about the food itself but about sharing something that could change someone’s perspective. The unexpected reaction reinforced the idea that even familiar dishes can surprise and delight when prepared with care, and that sometimes the best moments come from the most unanticipated places.