Pork Luau Leaf Stew with Taro Leaves

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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

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.

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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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