A Fourth of July Tropical Luau
July 3, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Le Cordon Bleu
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A Fourth of July Tropical Luau
Independence Day is not only a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence or for getting the day off of culinary school, but it’s also a day of food and fun. Picnics, family gatherings, neighborhood block parties, and plenty of fireworks are how we get together; and hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, and mountains of potato salad are what we eat.
The Fourth of July is one of our biggest national holidays. We obviously have no trouble finding fun and creative ways to celebrate our nation’s founding. But if you’re looking for a new and different way to celebrate this year, why not try a luau, a traditional Hawaiian celebration feast.
What better way to celebrate our national heritage than with the food customs of our 50th state? Take a look at our ideas for a fabulous backyard luau.
Luau Menu Ideas
At its simplest, a luau is nothing but a big barbecue with pork and tropical dishes that represent the major ethnicities of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, including Japanese, Philippine, Chinese, and Polynesian foods.
Roasted Pork
Typically a whole pig is slow roasted in a banana leaf-lined pit. That may be hard to come by where you live so try a suckling pig cooked in a large smoker. If you don’t have the equipment, there are probably several barbecue caterers in your area that specialize in roasting whole hogs, especially if you live in the Southeast.
Salmon
Find a macadamia nut encrusted salmon recipe for the 4th this year, and we guarantee that you’ll be serving it again next year. It is just that good.
Spam Musubi
If you can’t access or afford a whole roasted pig, there’s always Spam. Yep, Spam. It is extremely popular on the Hawaiian Islands. U.S. soldiers brought there in their rations during WWII. Today, they serve in many different ways. One of the popular is a type musubi, a type of sushi made with a slice of spam, rice, and wrapped in nori. It’s actually pretty good, especially with sriracha and soy sauce.
Egg/Spring Rolls
Small plates are big part of a traditional Hawaiian luau with the main dish supported by up to 10 or more appetizers or small plates. Cabbage and cucumber egg and spring rolls are some of the most popular. You local Chinese restaurant will have several varieties on their menu if you don’t feel like making them yourself.
Sweet Potatoes
Fry them to make chips or French fries. Mash them with butter, coconut milk, and brown sugar to make an incredible side dish for your roasted pork.
Rice
Whether steamed or fried, rice is an integral part of a Hawaiian luau. Serve with everything, especially any Asian inspired dishes like teriyaki or Shanghai chicken.
Tropical Fruits
Check your local grocer for seasonal fruits like pineapples, bananas, mangos, and papayas. Served chopped and chilled or juice them for delightful non-alcoholic refreshers.
And don’t forget the decorations. Get your dad to break out that awful Hawaiian shirt that he loves so much. Visit your local party stores. They are sure to have all of the flower prints, tropical decorations, and leis that you’ll need to make your 4th of July luau fun for everyone. Invite all your cooking school friends to make a pot luck dish and there will plenty of food for all.
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