Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with these 18 authentic Luau recipes! A traditional Hawaiian celebration, a Luau is all about gathering with loved ones and feasting on delicious, local cuisine. From classic dishes like Kalua Pork with Cabbage and Lomi Lomi Salmon to innovative twists like Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey across the Hawaiian Islands, highlighting must-try recipes that will make your next Luau or backyard BBQ an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a native Hawaiian looking to share some cultural traditions with friends and family or simply a foodie eager to try something new, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to impress.
Let’s start cooking!
Kalua Pork with Cabbage
Kalua pork, a traditional Hawaiian dish, gets a delicious twist by adding tangy and crunchy cabbage to the mix. This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup liquid smoke (available at most grocery stores)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Wrap the pork in foil and bake for 8-10 hours or until tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the sliced cabbage and cook until slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve the Kalua pork with the caramelized cabbage on top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (oven) + 30 minutes (cabbage preparation)
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Salmon
Lomi lomi salmon is a classic Hawaiian dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. This recipe combines the savory taste of salmon with the creamy richness of mashed taro and the tanginess of tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or canned salmon, skin removed
– 2 cups cooked and mashed taro (or yam)
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the salmon into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed taro, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
3. Add the salmon to the taro mixture and gently combine until just mixed.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is a simple assembly of ingredients.
Poi with Fresh Taro Root
Experience the authentic taste of Hawaii with this simple recipe using fresh taro root.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large fresh taro roots, peeled and chopped into small pieces
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Combine taro chunks, water, and salt in a medium-sized pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the taro is tender and easily mashed with a fork.
3. Drain excess water and mash the taro using a potato masher or the back of a spoon to desired consistency.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Haupia Coconut Pudding
Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding that’s creamy, rich, and utterly delicious. This simple recipe makes a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the pudding thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract.
4. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa
A tropical twist on a classic dish, this recipe combines the rich flavor of grilled mahi-mahi with the sweetness of pineapple salsa. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pineapple Salsa (see below)
Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and thyme. Brush mixture on both sides of mahi-mahi fillets.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill mahi-mahi for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare Pineapple Salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve grilled mahi-mahi with pineapple salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken Long Rice Noodle Soup
This comforting soup is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, featuring tender chicken, savory rice noodles, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup long-grain rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Laulau Pork Wrapped in Taro Leaves
Experience the authentic flavors of Hawaii with this traditional recipe for laulau, where tender pork is wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, cut into large chunks
– 4-6 taro leaves (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pork, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Place a taro leaf flat on a work surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the pork mixture in the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll the leaf into a neat package. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
4. Place the laulau packages seam-side down in a large steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
5. Steam the laulau over boiling water for 1-2 hours, or until pork is tender and taro leaves are soft.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Macaroni Salad with Ham and Peas
This creamy macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for any gathering. The addition of salty ham and sweet peas takes this classic recipe to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ham, peas, mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped onion.
3. Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna and Avocado
Experience the flavors of Hawaii with this refreshing Poke Bowl recipe, featuring sashimi-grade ahi tuna and creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sashimi-grade ahi tuna, sliced into thin pieces
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tbsp chopped green onions
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced tuna to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, top cooked white rice with the marinated tuna, diced avocado, and any desired additional toppings (such as pickled ginger or sesame seeds).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Sweet Potato Haupia Pie
This Sweet Potato Haupia Pie combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of coconut and haupia (Hawaiian pudding), all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup haupia mix (or homemade haupia)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, haupia mix, and shredded coconut. Mix well.
3. Add heavy cream and melted butter to the sweet potato mixture; stir until smooth.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour sweet potato filling into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grilled Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Grilled Teriyaki Beef Skewers Recipe
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with these grilled teriyaki beef skewers, perfect for a quick and delicious meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 20 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Thread beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
4. Brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over the beef cubes on the skewers.
5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
6. During last minute of cooking, brush with sesame oil.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Experience the sweet and savory combination of coconut-crusted shrimp with a tangy mango dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup mango puree or diced fresh mango
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut.
3. Dip each shrimp in eggs and then coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In a small bowl, mix together mango puree, honey, and lime juice.
6. Serve baked shrimp with mango dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice with Spam
Pineapple Fried Rice with Spam: A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and Spam for a deliciously unique dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 6 slices of Spam, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced Spam and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the diced pineapple and cooked Spam back into the pan. Stir-fry everything together until the pineapple is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Lumpia with Caramel Sauce
A delicious Filipino-inspired dessert that combines crispy lumpia (spring rolls) with sweet caramel sauce and ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers
– 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add sliced bananas to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
4. Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the banana mixture in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Place the lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm lumpia with caramel sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Guava Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and savory guava glazed chicken wings, perfect for a party or just a relaxing evening. This recipe combines the tanginess of guava with the richness of honey to create a sticky and irresistible glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup guava jam
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together guava jam, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the glaze and toss until fully coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken wings on the sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing fruit salad, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey and the zing of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 cup mango slices
– 1 cup papaya chunks
– 1/2 cup kiwi slices
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, papaya, and kiwi.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat.
4. Sprinkle mint leaves on top and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes if needed.
Baked Breadfruit with Garlic Butter
A flavorful twist on traditional breadfruit, this recipe adds a rich and aromatic garlic butter to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 large breadfruit (about 2 lbs)
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top off the breadfruit and scoop out some of the flesh to create a shell.
3. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the garlic butter mixture into the breadfruit shell, filling it as much as possible.
5. Place the breadfruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the fruit is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Passion Fruit Cheesecake
This Passion Fruit Cheesecake combines the sweetness of cream cheese with the tangy tartness of passion fruit, creating a unique and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup passion fruit puree
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in passion fruit puree, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these 18 authentic Luau recipes! From classic dishes like Kalua Pork with Cabbage and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Salmon, to sweet treats like Haupia Coconut Pudding and Sweet Potato Haupia Pie, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa or Chicken Long Rice Noodle Soup, or indulge in seafood delights like Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna and Avocado. With a mix of savory, sweet, and refreshing dishes, this collection is perfect for a Luau-inspired feast that will leave you feeling like you’re in Hawaii!
