Every cookbook of luau recipes has to feature kalua pig, which is the centerpiece of any luau celebration.
If you've been to a Hawaiian luau, you know that the Hawaiian kalua pig is cooked over hot coals in an underground oven or imu.
Not so keen to dig up the backyard? No worries – leave the shovel in the shed, get out a slow cooker and all is taken care of – almost.
There are many recipes for the succulent shredded kalua pig.
This following is a variation on a popular recipe. The prep time for this one is short and we are confident that your guests will wipe their dishes clean just as quickly. You can get between 16 servings.
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 6 lb pork butt roast or shoulder * 1 tbsp Hawaiian sea salt. Most gourmet grocers sell this pink-colored salt * 1-2 tbsp liquid smoke flavoring (some recipes call for 3 tbsp)
COOKING METHOD:
Pierce the pork all over. Rub liberally with sea salt, followed by liquid smoke.
Place meat in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on a low setting for 16 hours. Any longer, the meat tends to dry out. Turn just once during cooking.
After removing from the slow cooker, shred, and pour in some of the drippings to moisten.
If you want to plan a Hawaiian luau party at short notice, there are luau recipes which call for shorter cooking time by baking the pork in an oven at 400°F. Prepare as above but wrap the meat in 2 large banana leaves, easily found in Asian and Hispanic food markets.
Use foil for the outer and final layer and set the package in a cooking pan. Bake the meat in the oven for around 4-4 1/2 hours and test for tenderness by cutting through the foil and leaves. Shred and serve!
One of the easiest luau recipes, which can be prepared ahead, is Chicken Long Rice. Despite its name, is really a noodle dish made with rice vermicelli.
INGREDIENTS:
* One 4oz bundle rice vermicelli * Two 3-4 lbs fryers or 3-4 chicken breasts * Three slices ginger * Three tbsp chopped scallions * One tbsp salt * White pepper for taste * Two tbsp low sodium soy sauce
COOKING METHOD:
Soak the vermicelli in warm water for 1/2 hour
Simmer chicken in a pot of water with ginger slices and salt until it is tender
Remove all bones and cut the chicken into pieces
Sprinkle cut chicken with salt & pepper
Throw away the ginger from the broth, add vermicelli and scallions to the chicken broth and flavor with soy sauce
Simmer for 15 minutes and it is ready to serve
This can be prepared the night before but skip the simmering until ready to serve. Refrigerate overnight and if the Chicken Long Rice looks dry on reheating, add some chicken broth.
There are many more luau recipes to experiment with and to enjoy, but remember this.
It is not necessary at your luau party to weigh the table down with only traditional luau food.
However, be assured that you will be just as much a star at your party even if you serve only kalua pig over steamed rice – it is just too delicious for words!
