Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Hawaiian comfort stew slow-cooked to tender perfection with pork, sweet onions, and fresh luau leaves, simmered in a savory broth. This hawaiian-inspired soups ready in about 115 minutes pairs pork shoulder, large onion, luau leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Hawaiian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb diced pork shoulder and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the spices are coated in oil.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups chopped luau leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and the leaves are fully wilted and tender.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with additional luau leaves if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves?

Hawaiian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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