How To Steam Laulau Without Steamer

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Introduction

Welcome to our guide on how to steam Lau Lau without a steamer. Lau Lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish that consists of tender pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed to perfection. It is a dish that holds great cultural significance in Hawaii, and its flavorful combination of ingredients makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

While steaming Lau Lau typically requires a steamer, we understand that not everyone has one readily available in their kitchen. But fear not! We have discovered alternative methods that you can use to steam Lau Lau without a steamer.

In this article, we will explore several methods that you can try at home to achieve that deliciously steamed Lau Lau. Whether you have a pot, a heatproof plate, a bamboo steamer basket, or even a rice cooker, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started!

What is Lau Lau?

Lau Lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. It is a flavorful and savory dish that consists of tender pieces of pork, fish, or chicken, wrapped in taro leaves, and then steamed to perfection. The dish is often served with a side of rice and accompanied by poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple made from taro root.

The process of making Lau Lau involves marinating the meat in a combination of seasonings, such as salt, soy sauce, garlic, and Hawaiian sea salt, to enhance the flavor. The marinated meat is then placed on top of taro leaves, which are large, heart-shaped leaves with a slightly sweet taste.

Once the meat is placed on the leaves, they are folded over and secured with string or ti leaves, creating a pouch or bundle. This bundle is then steamed, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Lau Lau is considered a comfort food in Hawaii and is often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, and luaus (traditional Hawaiian feasts). The dish has deep roots in Hawaiian culture and is a symbol of the islands’ unique culinary heritage.

The combination of flavors and textures in Lau Lau is what makes it truly special. The meat becomes infused with the flavors of the marinade and the taro leaves, resulting in a delicious blend of savory and slightly sweet tastes. The leaves also add a delicate earthiness to the dish.

Traditionally, Lau Lau was cooked in an underground oven called an imu, where the heat from hot stones would steam and cook the dish. However, modern adaptations of Lau Lau can be made using a steamer, which is a more accessible and convenient method for home cooks.

Now that you know the essence of Lau Lau, let’s explore how you can steam it without a steamer using alternative methods in the following sections.

Why Steam Lau Lau Without a Steamer?

Steaming Lau Lau without a dedicated steamer is a common challenge that many home cooks face. While a steamer is the traditional and ideal tool for this dish, there are some reasons why you might need to explore alternative methods:

1. Lack of Equipment: Not everyone has a steamer readily available in their kitchen. Purchasing a new steamer may not be feasible or practical for everyone, especially if you only occasionally make Lau Lau.

2. Versatility: The methods we will discuss for steaming Lau Lau without a steamer offer versatility. You can use common kitchen equipment like a pot, a heatproof plate, a bamboo steamer basket, or even a rice cooker to achieve similar results.

3. Accessibility: By using alternative methods, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Lau Lau, even without a specific steaming device. It allows you to recreate this beloved Hawaiian dish using the items you already have in your kitchen.

4. Convenience: The alternative methods are convenient and easy to follow. You don’t need to invest in a specialized steamer; instead, you can utilize readily available equipment to steam your Lau Lau.

5. Cultural Experience: Trying out different methods to steam Lau Lau without a steamer can be a fun and educational experience. It allows you to understand the traditional cooking techniques used in Hawaii and expand your culinary repertoire.

While a steamer is the recommended tool for steaming Lau Lau, these alternative methods will help you achieve a similar outcome without compromising on flavor and texture. So, let’s explore different methods for steaming Lau Lau without a steamer in the following sections.

Method 1: Steaming Lau Lau using a pot and a heatproof plate

If you don’t have a steamer, you can still steam Lau Lau using a regular pot and a heatproof plate. Here’s how:

1. Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. While the water is heating, prepare your Lau Lau by wrapping it securely in taro leaves and tying it with string or using ti leaves to secure the bundle.
3. Place a heatproof plate or a metal rack in the bottom of the pot, creating a raised platform above the simmering water. This will prevent direct contact between the water and the Lau Lau bundle.
4. Place the wrapped Lau Lau on the heatproof plate or rack, ensuring that it is elevated above the water level.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and let the Lau Lau steam for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through. Check the water level periodically to ensure it doesn’t evaporate completely; add more water if needed.
6. Once the Lau Lau is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a spatula. Let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

By using this method, the steam generated from the simmering water in the pot will heat the Lau Lau, allowing it to cook slowly and evenly. The heatproof plate or rack serves as a barrier, preventing the Lau Lau from getting direct contact with the water while still allowing the steam to circulate around it.

Remember, steaming time may vary depending on the size of your Lau Lau bundle and the heat intensity. It’s important to check for doneness by ensuring that the meat is fully cooked before serving.

Now that you know how to steam Lau Lau using a pot and a heatproof plate, let’s explore another method using a bamboo steamer basket.

You can steam Lau Lau without a steamer by placing a heatproof bowl or colander in a large pot with a few inches of water. Place the Lau Lau inside the bowl, cover the pot, and steam for about 1-2 hours.

Method 2: Steaming Lau Lau using a bamboo steamer basket

If you have a bamboo steamer basket available, it can be a great alternative for steaming Lau Lau. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by preparing your Lau Lau by wrapping it securely in taro leaves and tying it with string or using ti leaves to secure the bundle.
2. Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Place the bamboo steamer basket on top of the pot, ensuring that it fits securely.
4. Put the wrapped Lau Lau bundle inside the bamboo steamer basket, making sure that it is elevated above the simmering water.
5. Cover the steamer basket with its lid, ensuring a tight seal to trap the steam inside.
6. Allow the Lau Lau to steam for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through. Check the water level periodically to ensure it doesn’t completely evaporate; add more water if needed.
7. Once the Lau Lau is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer basket using tongs or a spatula. Let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Using a bamboo steamer basket creates a gentle and even steam environment that cooks the Lau Lau to perfection. The bamboo material absorbs excess moisture, preventing it from dripping back onto the food and ensuring a moist and tender result.

Make sure that the bamboo steamer basket is not too large for the pot you are using, as it should fit securely on top. It’s also important to check the water level regularly to prevent it from running dry, as this could cause the Lau Lau to burn or become too dry.

With this method, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Lau Lau, steamed to perfection using a traditional bamboo steamer basket. However, if you don’t have a steamer basket or a pot available, don’t worry! There’s another method you can try using a rice cooker.

Method 3: Steaming Lau Lau using a rice cooker

If you have a rice cooker in your kitchen, you can use it as an alternative method to steam Lau Lau. Here’s how:

1. Begin by wrapping your Lau Lau securely in taro leaves and tying it with string or using ti leaves to secure the bundle.
2. Place the wrapped Lau Lau bundle inside the rice cooker’s inner pot.
3. Add enough water to the rice cooker to create steam, typically around 1 to 1 1/2 cups depending on the size of your rice cooker.
4. Close the rice cooker’s lid and set it to the “Steam” or “Cook” mode.
5. Allow the Lau Lau to steam for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
6. Once the Lau Lau is cooked, carefully remove it from the rice cooker using oven mitts or tongs. Let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Rice cookers with a steam or cook function are designed to generate steam and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This makes them a suitable option for steaming Lau Lau without needing a dedicated steamer.

Ensure that you have enough water in the rice cooker to generate sufficient steam. The exact amount may vary based on the size and model of your rice cooker, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines.

This method provides a convenient way to steam Lau Lau without the need for additional equipment. Simply use your rice cooker’s pre-existing steam or cook setting to achieve tender and delicious Lau Lau.

Now that you know how to steam Lau Lau using a rice cooker, you can explore this method if you have one available in your kitchen. These alternative methods make it possible to enjoy the traditional flavors of Lau Lau even without a dedicated steamer.

By trying out these different methods, you can add your own twist to this beloved Hawaiian dish and create a culinary experience that is both delicious and unique.

Tips and Tricks for Steaming Lau Lau Without a Steamer

Steaming Lau Lau without a dedicated steamer may require some creativity and improvisation, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve great results. Here are some suggestions to help you steam Lau Lau without a steamer:

1. Use a tight-sealing lid: Whether you’re using a pot, a bamboo steamer basket, or a rice cooker, make sure the lid fits tightly to trap the steam inside. This will ensure that the Lau Lau cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
2. Monitor the water level: Check the water level periodically during the steaming process to ensure it doesn’t completely evaporate. Add more water if necessary to maintain a steady supply of steam.
3. Use heatproof plates or racks: If you’re using a pot or a rice cooker, place a heatproof plate or rack at the bottom to elevate the Lau Lau above the simmering water. This prevents direct contact with the water and helps achieve a more even steam.
4. Ensure proper wrapping: Properly wrapping the Lau Lau in taro leaves is essential for even cooking and flavor infusion. Make sure the bundle is secure and tightly wrapped to prevent the steam from escaping.
5. Experiment with seasoning: Add your own twist to the traditional Lau Lau recipe by experimenting with different seasonings and flavor combinations. Consider adding ginger, lemongrass, or other herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
6. Allow for resting time: Once the Lau Lau is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the meat to become more tender.
7. Adjust steaming time: The steaming time may vary depending on the size of your Lau Lau bundle and the cooking method. Keep an eye on the Lau Lau and adjust the steaming time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
8. Get creative with serving: Consider serving Lau Lau with traditional Hawaiian side dishes like rice, poi, or lomi salmon. You can also pair it with fresh tropical fruits or a side salad for a refreshing contrast.

Remember, steaming Lau Lau without a steamer may require some trial and error to perfect your technique. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments based on your equipment and personal preferences.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can achieve delicious Lau Lau with alternative steaming methods and enjoy its unique flavors and textures at home, even without a traditional steamer.

Now that you have all the information and techniques, it’s time to try steaming Lau Lau without a steamer and indulge in this beloved Hawaiian delicacy!

Conclusion

Steaming Lau Lau without a steamer is possible with a little creativity and the use of alternative methods. Whether you use a pot and a heatproof plate, a bamboo steamer basket, or a rice cooker, you can still achieve tender and flavorful Lau Lau that captures the essence of this traditional Hawaiian dish.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various methods for steaming Lau Lau without a steamer, providing detailed step-by-step instructions for each method. From using basic kitchen equipment to improvising with what you have, these alternative methods offer versatility and convenience while delivering the delicious flavors that Lau Lau is known for.

Remember to pay attention to factors such as water level, wrapping technique, and steaming time to ensure your Lau Lau comes out perfectly cooked. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving options to put your own unique spin on this beloved dish.

Whether you’re hosting a Hawaiian-themed gathering, exploring different cuisines, or simply craving a taste of Hawaii, steaming Lau Lau without a steamer allows you to enjoy this traditional delicacy in your own kitchen. The combination of tender meat, taro leaves, and incredible flavors will transport you to the islands with every bite.

We hope that this guide has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration to steam Lau Lau without a steamer and embark on a culinary journey to experience the taste of Hawaii. So grab your ingredients, gather your equipment, and get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering delight of homemade Lau Lau!