Low Carb Lau Lau Recipe With Spinach

Low Carb Lau Lau Recipe With Spinach

Jul 03, 2024

Low Carb Lau Lau Recipe With Spinach

Looking to add a little island flair to your low-carb menu? Picture this: tender, flavorful pork wrapped in vibrant spinach leaves, creating a delectable lau lau dish that's both satisfying and keto-friendly.
This recipe takes a traditional favorite and gives it a healthy twist, making it perfect for those watching their carb intake. But how can you achieve that perfect blend of flavors and textures without the starchy taro leaves typically used in this Polynesian dish?
Stay tuned to discover a clever substitution that doesn't skimp on taste or nutrition.

Keto-Friendly and Delicious

If you're looking for a keto-friendly and delicious dish, this low carb Lau Lau recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals.
This Hawaiian-inspired dish isn't only low in carbs but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for those on a keto diet.
Here's why this low carb Lau Lau recipe is the perfect addition to your menu:

  • Flavorful Meat: The combination of tender pork or chicken wrapped in nutrient-rich spinach leaves creates a mouthwatering, savory taste that will leave you craving more.
  • Healthy Fats: By using coconut milk and adding avocado, this recipe incorporates healthy fats that are essential for a keto diet, while enhancing the overall creaminess and richness of the dish.
  • Nutrient-Dense Spinach: Spinach isn't only low in carbs but also high in essential vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.
  • Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy a satisfying keto-friendly meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This low carb Lau Lau recipe provides a delicious way to stick to your keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Recipe

Let's talk about the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious low carb Lau Lau.
First, gather up some pork shoulder, salted butter, and a head of cabbage.
You'll also need some liquid smoke, sea salt, and a few banana leaves to wrap everything up.
Get ready to create a tasty, keto-friendly meal that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

To prepare the low carb Lau Lau, gather the following ingredients and get ready to create a delicious and healthy dish.

Protein Vegetables Other
Chicken thighs Spinach Coconut oil
Pork loin Kale Ginger

| Shrimp | Swiss chard | Garlic |

| | Collard greens | Salt |
| | Mustard greens | Ti leaves |
If ti leaves are not available, you can substitute with banana leaves.
These simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful and satisfying low carb Lau Lau that is sure to become a new favorite. With these fresh and wholesome components, you can be confident in the nutritious value of your meal while still enjoying the rich and authentic flavors of this traditional Hawaiian dish.

Cooking Lau Lau in Oven

Ready to make your low carb Lau Lau in the oven?
The oven cooking method provides a convenient and efficient way to prepare this traditional Hawaiian dish.
You'll also learn about Lau Lau preparation and the baking time and temperature needed for a delicious result.

Oven Cooking Method

For a convenient and hands-off approach, you can cook Lau Lau in the oven, yielding tender and flavorful results.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the Lau Lau packets on a baking sheet, seam side down, and brush them with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
Cover the baking sheet with foil to lock in moisture and place it in the oven.
Let the Lau Lau cook for about 45-60 minutes, depending on the thickness of the packets.
You can then carefully open a packet to check for doneness - the leaves should be wilted and the filling should be hot throughout.
Once done, take them out, let them cool for a few minutes, and then unwrap the delicious Lau Lau for a delightful low-carb meal.

Lau Lau Preparation

If you're looking for a convenient and hands-off cooking method for Lau Lau, consider using the oven to achieve tender and flavorful results.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared Lau Lau packets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cook the Lau Lau in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the pork and fish are cooked through.
You can also check for doneness by carefully opening one Lau Lau packet to see if the meat is cooked and the taro leaves are tender.
Once done, carefully remove the Lau Lau from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious and traditional Hawaiian dish made with a modern twist!

Baking Time and Temperature

After preheating the oven to 350°F and placing the prepared Lau Lau packets on a lined baking sheet, the next step in achieving tender and flavorful Lau Lau is to cook them in the oven for 45-60 minutes.
This cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender. Keep an eye on the Lau Lau as they cook, ensuring that they don't overcook and become dry.
The 45-60 minute range provides flexibility, allowing you to adjust the cooking time based on your preference for the tenderness of the pork and the doneness of the taro leaves.
Once the Lau Lau are done, carefully remove them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve them while they're still deliciously hot.

Description

Prepare the low carb Lau Lau by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You'll need spinach leaves, coconut cream, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein such as chicken, pork, or fish. Additionally, grab some aluminum foil for wrapping the Lau Lau.
Once you have everything ready, start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly and patting them dry. Then, mix the coconut cream with minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Next, lay out a piece of aluminum foil and place a few spinach leaves on it, followed by a piece of your chosen protein. Spoon the coconut mixture over the protein and wrap the Lau Lau tightly in the foil. Repeat this process for the remaining ingredients.
After preparing the Lau Lau, you can either steam them in a pot for about 30 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F for the same amount of time.
Once cooked, unwrap the Lau Lau and enjoy the delicious low carb meal with its flavorsome and tender filling.

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving

As you savor the delicious low carb Lau Lau, it's important to know the nutritional breakdown per serving to make informed choices about your meal. Here's what you can expect from a single serving of this mouthwatering dish:

  • Calories: Approximately 320
  • Protein: Around 25g
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 10g
  • Fiber: About 6g

Understanding the nutritional content of your food empowers you to make choices that align with your health and wellness goals. With its high protein content, moderate calorie count, and low-carb nature, this Lau Lau recipe offers a well-rounded option for those seeking a balanced and satisfying meal.
The combination of spinach, pork, and seasonings not only provides a flavorful experience but also contributes to a nutrient-rich dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Leaf Besides Spinach in This Low Carb Lau Lau Recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of leaf in the low carb lau lau recipe. Substituting spinach with collard greens or kale can work well. These options provide a similar texture and taste, while still keeping the dish low in carbs.
Just ensure the leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling. Experimenting with different leaves can add variety to the dish and cater to your preferences.

Is Lau Lau a Traditional Hawaiian Dish and What Are Its Origins?

Yes, Lau Lau is indeed a traditional Hawaiian dish with its origins rooted in the indigenous culture of the islands.
It consists of pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed to perfection.
The dish is believed to have been brought to Hawaii by the Polynesian voyagers and has since become a beloved staple in Hawaiian cuisine.
Its unique flavors and textures make it a must-try for anyone visiting the islands.

Can I Use a Different Meat Besides Pork in This Recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use a different meat besides pork in this recipe. Feel free to swap in chicken, fish, or even tofu if you prefer.
Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so don't be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking.
Just ensure that the meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature and enjoy your personalized low carb Lau Lau!

How Long Should I Cook Lau Lau in the Oven for It to Be Fully Cooked?

You should cook the lau lau in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours at 350°F for it to be fully cooked.
This cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't dry out.
Once the lau lau is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious low carb meal!

Are There Any Alternative Cooking Methods for Lau Lau Besides Using the Oven?

You can definitely cook lau lau using alternative methods besides the oven. Try using a slow cooker or steaming them in a large pot with a steamer basket.
Both methods work well and can give you tender, flavorful lau lau. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
These methods are also great for infusing the flavors of the ingredients into the lau lau.