Chicken Or Squid Luau
A traditional Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken or squid simmered with taro leaves and rich coconut milk, delivering a savory, hearty flavor perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain liquid from coconuts into a bowl.
- Crack shell, remove white meat, and grate.
- Measure 4 cups of reserved coconut liquid, adding water if necessary.
- Pour over grated coconut and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Squeeze meat and juice through double thickness of dampened cheesecloth into the bowl.
- Set aside.
- Combine chicken, 3 teaspoons of salt, and 3 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Simmer until the meat is tender.
- Bone and cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Remove the stem and strip the tough part of the rib from washed taro leaves.
- Place taro leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups water in a deep saucepan.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Drain and add fresh water; simmer for an additional hour or until bitter sting is extracted from the leaves.
- Squeeze to remove excess water.
- Add the cooked meat and coconut milk to the taro leaves.
- Heat thoroughly and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh coconut milk over frozen. If you opt for squid instead of chicken, ensure it's cooked just until tender to avoid rubberiness. Taro leaves can be substituted with collard greens if needed. Always taste for salt before serving, as bitterness can vary in taro leaves and adjusting seasoning is key.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Rice Salad(From Liechtenstein) or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness. A side of steamed jasmine rice can also complement the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture of the taro leaves and meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Squid Luau contains roughly 134 calories, with 9g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 806mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken or squid?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken or squid with other proteins such as pork or shrimp. If using shrimp, add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
What if I can't find taro leaves?
If taro leaves are unavailable, you can use Swiss chard or spinach as alternatives. They will not provide the same flavor but can still create a delicious dish. Be sure to adjust the cooking time, as these greens wilt faster than taro leaves.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Adding tofu or chickpeas can provide protein, and you can incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).