As a lover of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, I often find myself craving the taste of lau lau. This delicious dish, consisting of pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed, is rich in flavor and steeped in cultural history. However, the process of making lau lau traditionally can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment. That’s when I discovered that I could use my microwave to create a quick and easy version of this beloved dish. In this article, I will guide you through the simple steps of microwaving lau lau to perfection.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the microwaving process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Pork, fish, or chicken (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces
– Taro leaves (available in Asian or Hawaiian specialty stores)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Liquid smoke (optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
– Ti leaves (optional, for added authenticity)
– Aluminum foil
Preparing the Lau Lau
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the lau lau for the microwave. Follow these steps:
1. Rinse the taro leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Take one leaf and place it on a flat surface. Layer a second leaf on top, forming a cross shape. This will create a more sturdy wrap for the filling. If the leaves are small, you can use more than two leaves.
3. Season the pork, fish, or chicken with salt, pepper, and a few drops of liquid smoke. This will infuse the meat with a smoky aroma and enhance its flavor.
4. Place a small portion of the seasoned meat on the center of the taro leaf cross. Fold the leaves over the filling, making sure all edges are sealed securely. Repeat this step until you’ve used up all the meat.
5. If you have ti leaves, wrap each lau lau in one or two ti leaves. This step is optional but will add a beautiful aroma and flavor to the dish.
Microwaving the Lau Lau
With your lau lau bundles all wrapped up and ready to go, it’s time to microwave them to perfection. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place your lau lau bundles in a microwave-safe dish, making sure to leave some space between each one.
2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help steam the lau lau while preventing any splatters.
3. Set your microwave to medium-high power, usually around 70-80% power. Microwaving your lau lau at a slightly lower power will ensure even cooking throughout.
4. Cook the lau lau in the microwave for about 10 minutes per pound of meat. For example, if you have 2 pounds of meat, set the timer for 20 minutes. This will allow the meat to cook thoroughly while maintaining its tenderness.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Be cautious, as the dish and contents will be hot.
6. Gently unwrap one lau lau to check if the meat is cooked through. The pork, fish, or chicken should be tender and fully cooked. If necessary, return the rest of the lau lau to the microwave for an additional few minutes until fully cooked.
7. Allow the lau lau to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make the dish even more delicious.
The Verdict
Microwaving lau lau is a quick and easy alternative to the traditional baking or steaming methods. In a fraction of the time, you can enjoy the same tender and flavorful dish that has become a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. The microwave perfectly steams the taro leaves, infuses the meat with flavors, and creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
So, the next time you’re craving lau lau but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, give the microwave method a try. With a few simple steps and some patience, you’ll have a plateful of mouthwatering lau lau ready to be enjoyed.