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Hawaiian Squid Luau

Hawaiian squid luau recipe: tender octopus and taro leaves simmered slowly in rich coconut milk, a silky, earthy Hawaiian classic from the luau table.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Squid luau is one of the most traditional dishes in Hawaii, made from taro leaves and octopus, or squid, cooked slowly in coconut milk. It graces every serious luau table and is treasured for its deep, earthy flavor and velvety texture.

What makes it great is the way the bitter taro leaves mellow into a savory green while the coconut milk turns silky and sweet. Served warm with rice or poi, it is a taste of old Hawaii that never goes out of style.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the taro leaves and cook, stirring, until they turn tender and dark green, about 20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Return the leaves to the pot with the coconut milk, onion, and Hawaiian salt. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
  3. Add the octopus and simmer gently for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the octopus is tender and the luau is thick and creamy.
  4. Season with black pepper and serve warm over rice or with poi.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Taro leaves must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize their natural irritation. Salted or frozen cooked octopus from an Asian market is ideal and saves a lot of time.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →