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9 Polynesian Foods to Try at the Polynesian Cultural Center

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Mark Wiens
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Recipes in this Video

3 recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 lb fresh ahi tuna, diced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup seaweed salad
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  3. 3Remove the rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
  4. 4In a bowl, combine the diced ahi tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, sea salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
  5. 5To serve, place a scoop of sushi rice in a bowl.
  6. 6Top the rice with the marinated tuna, green onions, seaweed salad, and avocado slices.
  7. 7Drizzle with additional soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.
  8. 8Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Equipment

medium saucepanmixing bowlserving bowls

Originating from Samoa, Palusami is a traditional dish often enjoyed during feasts and celebrations. It showcases the use of local ingredients, particularly taro leaves and coconut cream, reflecting the island's agricultural heritage. This dish is not only a staple in Samoan cuisine but has also gained popularity in Polynesian communities worldwide, often served at gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • taro leaves
  • coconut cream
  • onion
  • garlic
  • salt
  • pepper
  • lime juice
  • chili pepper
  • fish
  • meat
  • vegetables
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Wash and dry the taro leaves thoroughly.
  3. 3Layer a few taro leaves in a baking dish to create a base.
  4. 4Chop the onion and garlic finely.
  5. 5Mix the coconut cream with chopped onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  6. 6Add lime juice and chili pepper to the mixture for flavor.
  7. 7Spread the coconut mixture over the taro leaves in the baking dish.
  8. 8If using fish or meat, layer it on top of the coconut mixture.
  9. 9Cover with additional taro leaves to seal the filling.
  10. 10Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam.
  11. 11Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  12. 12Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes until the leaves are tender.
  13. 13Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

coconut cream

Healthier: light coconut milk

Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk reduces fat while still providing creaminess.

fish

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu offers a plant-based protein alternative.

taro leaves

Healthier: spinach

Cheaper: collard greens

Spinach is more accessible and still nutritious.

lime juice

Healthier: lemon juice

Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides similar acidity.

Techniques

mixinglayeringbakingsteaming

Equipment

baking dishaluminum foilmixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumcoconut

Also Known As

PalusamiSamoan Luau

Loco Moco originated in Hawaii, combining local flavors with influences from American comfort food. Traditionally served as a hearty meal, it features rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. This dish reflects the multicultural heritage of Hawaii, where diverse culinary traditions blend seamlessly. Today, Loco Moco is a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed at diners and local eateries across the islands and beyond.

Ingredients

  • rice
  • ground beef
  • eggs
  • gravy
  • onion
  • soy sauce
  • green onions
  • pepper
  • salt
  • garlic
  • butter
  • water
  • hamburger buns
  • mushrooms
  • beef broth

Instructions

  1. 1Cook rice according to package instructions until fluffy.
  2. 2Form ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook beef patties until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. 4In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. 5Prepare gravy by adding beef broth to the skillet with onions, stirring to combine.
  6. 6Thicken gravy with cornstarch mixed with water, cooking until desired consistency.
  7. 7In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side up until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. 8To assemble, place a scoop of rice on a plate, top with a beef patty, and then the fried egg.
  9. 9Pour gravy generously over the entire dish.
  10. 10Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Ingredient Alternatives

gravy

Healthier: homemade gravy

Cheaper: beef broth thickened with cornstarch

Homemade gravy can reduce sodium and additives.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be more economical.

eggs

Healthier: egg whites

Cheaper: tofu

Egg whites reduce cholesterol, while tofu offers a plant-based option.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine can be a cost-effective substitute.

Techniques

fryingboiling

Equipment

skilletpotmixing bowlspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowegg

Also Known As

Loco Moco

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