Laulau Recipe (Hawaiian Pork in Taro Leaves)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 12 to 16 taro leaves or similar cooking greens
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Banana leaves or foil for wrapping

Steps

1. Season the pork with salt and black pepper.
2. Lay several taro leaves together and place some pork in the center.
3. Fold the leaves over the pork to make a compact bundle.
4. Wrap the bundle in banana leaf or foil to hold it securely.
5. Steam or bake until the pork is very tender and the leaves are fully cooked, about 2 to 3 hours depending on the cooking method.
6. Serve hot with simple sides.

Nutrition

This page includes a per-serving nutrition table below the main content so readers can scan calories, macros, and key nutrition details without leaving the recipe.

Tips And Substitutions

Helpful tips

• Read the full method once before cooking so the timing and texture make sense.
• Taste and adjust salt, acidity, coconut richness, or heat near the end instead of at the start.
• Serve the dish while the main texture is still at its best, especially for seafood, greens, and coconut sauces.

Substitutions and variations

• Use the closest fresh local ingredient when the exact island ingredient is difficult to find.
• Coconut milk can usually be made richer with coconut cream or lighter with a little water.
• Keep chilli optional when cooking for a mixed table, then serve extra heat on the side.