Hawaiian Dried Aku with Coconut and Taro Leaves
A traditional Hawaiian dish featuring dried aku (skipjack tuna) rehydrated and simmered in coconut milk with tender taro leaves, offering a rich, savory, and slightly earthy flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Dried Aku (Skipjack Tuna)(rinsed and soaked overnight in water, then cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 500 g Fresh Taro Leaves (Lu'au Leaves)(cleaned, tough stems removed, and roughly chopped)
- 400 ml Coconut Milk(full-fat)
- 200 ml Water(or more, as needed)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked dried aku thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces. If the aku is very salty, you may need to soak it for an additional few hours, changing the water periodically.
💡 Tip: Ensure all bones are removed from the aku pieces. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil (optional, as the fish may render some fat) until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the prepared dried aku pieces to the pot and stir to coat with the aromatics.
💡 Tip: This step helps to slightly toast the fish and release its flavors. - 5
Pour in the coconut milk and water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: Start with the specified amount of water; you can add more later if the stew becomes too thick. - 6
Add the chopped taro leaves to the pot. Stir well to submerge them in the liquid.
💡 Tip: Taro leaves can release oxalates, so it's important to cook them thoroughly. - 7
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, or until the taro leaves are very tender and the aku is rehydrated and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. - 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with more water if desired.
💡 Tip: Dried fish can be salty, so taste before adding too much salt. - 9
Serve hot, traditionally with poi or steamed rice.
💡 Tip: This dish is often even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dried aku is properly rehydrated to avoid a tough texture.
- ✓Taro leaves must be cooked until very soft to neutralize any potential irritants.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired stew consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like sweet potato or taro root for added heartiness.
- A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.