Hawaiian Luau Rice is a little sweet, a little savory and little bit tropical and the perfect cure for the dog days of summer.
We have had about 2 weeks of non-stop rain in Hong Kong. Sideways rain is the worst, especially when waiting for the bus. Men in business suits with their trousers sticking to their legs and women who thought is was a good idea to wear a white blouse are now thinking twice about their fashion choices on rainy days. However today, I see for the first time a little blue sky and break in the clouds.
Here is a view from inside a sampan riding near the Aberdeen fishing village. As you can see the sky is still pretty cloudy but occasionally there is a little bit of blue shining through.
Have you even had a ride in a sampan boat? Well lets put it this way, you are in a mighty little boat compared to all of those big cargo ships and if you are prone to seasickness then this is not your mode of transport. Are you in need of any dried fish parts for your recipes?
How about some wine to settle your stomach for the sampan ride?
I thought not so lets get on with the recipe…
Sometimes, I need to close my eyes and think of a happy place in order to make these dull and rainy days go away. That happy place is always some place warm and tropical with white sand beaches, clear water, and plenty of sunshine. Having your own virtual vacation to Hawaii, is the perfect cure for those long dog rainy days. So crack out those coconut bras and grass skirts and lets get cooking.
Hawaiian Luau rice is a fun and easy tropical side dish that goes perfect with fish, chicken or just by itself. You can go on your own mini little vacation right here in your own kitchen. If it helps set the mood, put on a little Jimmy Buffett music and pour yourself a Mai Tai and have a little luau.
Hawaiian Luau Rice is a little sweet, a little savory and little bit tropical and the perfect cure for the dog days of summer. This is a great little dish to bring for a dish to pass at a gathering or for your own gathering at home as it really is a nice accompaniment to so many dishes such. If you are looking for a main dish to go with your Hawaiian Luau rice, please check out Sensational Summer Citrus Salmon or maybe even our Tropical Spa Mango Chicken or even our Peking Glazed Beer Butt Chicken .
You are also going to love this Lemon Rice recipe from Masala Herb with a fantastic step by step video.
Hawaiian Luau rice is always best cooked with day old long basmati rice. Please take a click here to gather the basic concepts of making Pantry Fried Rice.
We just made another bowl this mid morning as was having a craving and this time made with “red rice” instead of basmati. It was mighty fine. Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend.
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Hawaiian Luau Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
(your rice will really soak up the coconut oil quickly so use a non-stick pan) - 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 tsp ginger
freshly grated ginger (or can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon dried ground) - 2 cloves garlic
minced - 1/2 cup ham
sliced thinly ( I used deli ham but you can exchange with spam or fresh ham) - 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
shredded (Can use fresh coconut shredded) - 1 teaspoon chicken powder
(gluten free) 1-2 teaspoons to taste (this is chicken bouillon in the powdered form) - you can also use chicken bouillon cubes and just crush into a powder and you can add to taste. - 1/4 tsp white pepper
or to taste - 1 cup pineapple
chopped fresh (can exchange with canned) - macadamia nuts -
toasted crushed garnish - optional - 2 tbsp green onions - 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish - optional
Instructions
- The day or two before, wash your rice thoroughly add 2 cups of rice and 2 cups of water to your pan and cook on stove top or steamer. Allow rice to completely cool and place in the refrigerator over night. (You can use other leftover rice as well like Jasmine or short grain rice)
- Toast your coconut in a non-stick skillet until in is toasty brown. Set aside.
- Place your coconut oil, onions, garlic, ginger in the pan until aromatic. Add the ham and cook quickly until lightly golden.
- Add your cooked basmati rice, chicken powder and white pepper and mix quickly in your pan until all of the rice is covered evenly with the coconut oil and seasoning. Add the pineapple, green onions and toasted coconut back into the pan and continue stirring quickly, just until warmed. Reserve a little toasted coconut on the side for garnishing.
- Serve on plate and garnish with toasted crushed macademia nuts, toasted coconut and green onions. Enjoy!
This is really delish! I made it today, presicely as instructed, with fresh crushed garlic and ginger, but that I used fresh rice, not cold/day old rice. The key in my opinion, is the toasted coconut. I do not use “flakes” but is an Asian market classic called “Dessicated Coconut” (the texture is of fine bread crumbs). The toasted coconut smells delicious but has the taste of a true nut, so you aren’t going to get a candy bar or tanning oil flavor. Everyone ate whatever I gave them and a little more. Really, really fun and I can’t wait to make this again with my Hawaiian Chicken with pineapple juice, Shoyu and ketchup plus spices.
I am delighted you liked this recipe. Dessicated coconut is a great alternative. I bet your Hawaiian chicken with pineapple juice was a huge hit. Wishing you a super day. Take Care
The ginger in your luau rice, is it fresh or powdered? Thank you, can’t wait to make it!
Hello Claudia, I used 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger but you can also exchange with about 1/4 teaspoon of dried ground ginger. Thanks for your question. I will adjust the recipe to clarify this ingredient. You can adjust this amount to your liking. Wishing you a super day.
I made your wonderful recipe last night for a luau party (in Georgia). Everyone loved it, including my garden clubs pickiest eater.
I did add a little more coconut oil, pepper, and chicken powder, but not much. Thanks again. This is a keeper.
Dear Kim, I am delighted to hear that everyone loved the Hawaiian Luau rice. Wishing you a super week.
Perfect dish for A rainy day. Great.
Thank you Josephine! We have had plenty of rain here in Hong Kong but today it is finally sunny. Wishing you a very sunny and happy day. Take care
Sounds good, what the heck is chicken powder?
Hello Todd and Mary, thanks so much for stopping by. Chicken powder is the powdered form of chicken bouillon. The powdered form works best as it is easy to adjust to your liking and it mixes easily with fried rice. If you do not have chicken bouillon powder, you can crush a chicken bouillon cube and add to your liking or just season well with salt and white pepper. Have a super day!
Thank you so much! I definitely have bouillon – Ive just never heard it called chicken powder before 🙂 can’t wait to make the rice! Sounds delicious!
Fantastic!!!! I made this today for a pig roast luau we were invited to for a 4th of July celebration. Huge hit, I made enough for about 30 people and it was practically all gone! Great taste, great recipe!
Thanks so much for stopping by Healthy World Cuisine and I am delighted to hear that our Hawaiian Luau Rice was a hit at your 4th of July celebration. Wow, you made a pretty batch!!! Good for you!
Wishing you and your family and very safe and happy holiday weekend.
This sounds amazing! I don’t have chicken powder and have never heard of it. Anything I could use instead? I have a chicken broth paste, but I’m not sure how to use that instead.
Hello Rachael, thanks for stopping by Healthy World Cuisine. Chicken powder is chicken bouillon in a powdered form. In stir fried rice, the goal is to keep the rice really dry so maybe you could add the chicken paste and add to the bottom of the pan to break up and then mix in with the rice but do not add any water to the rice. (I am all about using what you have in your pantry) Alternatively, if unable to find the chicken powder is purchase the chicken/vegan bouillon cubes and just pound it into granules and add to the Hawaiian Luau rice. Wishing you a super week!
I am looking forward to making this when in florida with fresh coconut that I wait to fall off the tree. Would the process for this be to scrap out the coconut, then grate it? Thank you for the reply and great looking recipe
Fresh coconut would be lovely and even better than the products you can get in the grocery store. If you can scrape out some of the meat of the coconut, roughly chop and then just gently toast in a pan, it would be perfect. It does not necessarily have to be grated as that added texture and crunch would be really nice. Thank so much for stopping by Healthy World Cuisine and have a super day!
Was looking at HI fried rice variations and yours popped up. Great mix of ingredients. I have always used sticky rice rather than basmati, so I’m eager to try this….
Just made this and yummmmmmmmm!!! I did add a pinch of salt and it was killer good. Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you enjoyed this simple recipe. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take Care, BAM
This looks so fresh and summery and gorgeous! Love the Citrus Salmon suggestion. You are making me so hungry!
Side note: What on earth is Snake Bile Wine?
Hi there Heather! I don’t think you or I really want to know what snake bile wine is, so lets just have another Chardonnay instead. Have a super week. BAM
Hi Bams, your Hawaiian Luah rice look delicious, very appetizing one pot meal. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Have a nice day.
I am reminded so much of my trip to the Philippines last May after I read your post. We always enjoyed the food in Hongkong when we travelled there and your Hawaiian luau rice is one of the things we love when in Asia. You just inspired me to make some. Bookmarked this! Thanks for sharing, Bam!
My daughter would love this, she loves anything with pineapples
Coconut and rice – this looks yummy.
Hong Kong is an amazing experience. I flew in for a few days on my way to Bangkok (over 20 years ago) but would like to visit again with a greater appreciation and desire to explore the food. I was practically vegan at the time and not very adventurous.
I’d love to pour myself a Mai Tai and eat some of this rice! Yum! We’ve had an excessive amount of rain too 🙁
I love this version of Hawaiian Rice! And I agree it’s raining almost every afternoon in our part of the world…
I still remember those seems to be “non-stop” rainy days in HKG during those summer months! This Hawaiian Luau Rice certainly brings on the sunshine and a big smile to my face. 🙂 I’m not a big fan of those dried salty fish, but my hubby is. 😛 But I can surely say that we both would say “no thank you” to that wine! LOL…
Beautiful rice dish Bobbi! Love the idea of pineapple, coconut and ham in here. Not so sure about the snake wine though… Have a great weekend! 🙂
Snake bile wine? Ha ha! Meanwhile, BAM this rice sounds more like a dessert with all its sweetness.
I wouldn’t want to ride in a sampan during bad weather but I would love having your Hawaiian rice in good or bad weather. 🙂
I enjoy rice but never like to eat it because it always gets old to me. I will definitely have to try these flavors in my rice. AMAZING
Yes! I love pineapple and rice.I have a recipe for pina colada rice pudding on my site. This, with griled pineapple , looks wonderful as a side .Just Wonderful!
Buona sera, BAM! 2 weeks of rain? Ugh! Sideways rain? Double ugh! I really do need to start making extra rice or ordering a 2nd portion when I call for Chinese take-away. I would enjoy both dishes — your Hawaiian Luau & Pantry Fried rice — and I have to get with the program.
Now, BAM, I’ll do just about anything for you but I draw the line just this side of wearing a coconut bra. 🙂
Hahaha…such a cute post. Glad you’re seeing a bit of sun! And your rice looks terrific!
delicious rice,will surely make the day sunny with its colors 🙂
Oishiso! I had never added coconut in the rice even though I love coconut so much! I’d love to make this one day in the near future!
Never thought of adding coconut to my fried rice, must do so next time I make fried rice.
This looks delicious! A twist on the usual variations of fried rice we have. I am sure it puts you right in the mood for a vacation!
I will take a virtual vacation to Hawaii any day of the week – rain or shine Bam! This is a great recipe. I’ve never made this before, or even thought to make it. But we all really enjoyed it in Hawaii. What a great way to bring some memories home. 🙂
I think I missed most of the rain when I visited Hong Kong in May a few years ago. One of my very favorite cities in the world. I’ve pinned this recipe to my food pinterest board. I could use some tropical flavor in Colorado. 🙂
Ahhh, you just took me to the tropical island of Hawaii! Love the look of your dish and the addition of pineapple sounds scrumptious! Beautiful photos, Bam! Hope the rain is clearing.
This is such a flavourful dish, Bam! I used to live in HK when I was a child, & still visit the place every few years. Seeing your shots make me wanna book a tix & fly there now. Lol!
Loving the tropical rice Bam! I wish it was raining here, I could take a break for the heat.
Nazneen
Oh this just screams SUMMER! I love this rice dish..I bet it’s amazing. Snake bile wine?? OH boy!
The coconut oil makes it very tropical! Our sideways rain is in the middle of winter here 🙂
Pineapple and cooconut in fried rice is so innovative and I can imagine how delicious it is!
It really is annoying when it keeps raining, isn’t it? I hope the weather will clear up soon on your side! I love fried rice, and yours look so colourful and delicious! Will definitely try your variation soon!
No grass skirt! Lei, yes!! Danced, not sang 🙂 ! Giggles: one ‘made a pass’, the other looked in his glass . . . oops 🙂 !
. . . and we throw our nets out into the sea,
and all the amma amma come swimming to me . . .
I love the sweet and savoury mix (and I always always love fried rice of any kind !)
Never heard of this dish before I love to try different recipes with stale rice. This dish is definitely of my interest .
My neighbours just came back from their vacation from Hong Kong and she was telling me about the beautifully crafted Chinese boats. I am sure she was talking about sampan ride.
Oh wow, Bam! That is so beautiful looking, I HAVE to make it. I love rice and I love dreaming about Hawaii. I’ve been to Kauai many times and it’s heavenly. Thanks for the great idea and inspiring photos.
Looks delicious!! I think we have taken all the nice weather from you…we have been so lucky this summer!!
It’s been cold and rainy for a couple, three days here, too. This dish sounds like the perfect thing to snuggle up with a blanket on the couch with and nibble on… 🙂 xo
I’ll take the rice dish any day before the snake bile wine. 🙂 Do they make extra large coconuts? If so, I’m in!
Maureen, you are so funny. I really can’t believe people really drink this snake bile wine. The thought of it gets my gag reflux going. I am most certain they have extra large coconuts and will start you off with a pina colada while we make the rice.
You have definitely excelled with the ingredient list here!
I’m delighted to say I’ve never heard of, much less tasted, snake bile wine! I think I’ll pass on that. But I won’t pass on this great rice dish! I’ve made something similar in the past, and it’s really good. Love the photos, the closeup in particular (I’m a sucker for closeups). Fun post, and I’m glad the weather seems to be drying out.
I was almost sure John, that you would take up the challenge with the snake bile wine. Maybe a cocktail? 😉
Nazneen
Love your postings and being able to get glimpses of life in Hong Kong 🙂 And your fried rice looks so tempting — definitely helps to take you away from all that rainy weather!
This looks delicious–a great summer dish!
Eeeeek snake bile! No thank you! On the other hand yes please to luau, ham and pineapple are e perfect combination. Yum!
Sop pleased you have some sunshine now Bam. LOVE the rice recipe, the wine…not so much.
Have a happy week ahead.
🙂 Mandy xo
You managed to step over the rain Bam! Endless rainy or humid days are just plain annoying. This is a wonderful rice dish!
Hi Bobbi, I’ve been known to wear a grass skirt once or twice in my life, but no coconut bras… I imagine then to be quite uncomfortable, and honestly, I think they would do a much better job as bowls for this AMAZING rice! Thanks for sharing, yum!
The dish looks very summer and tropical and definitely something to brighten up a dull day. Wish you have a great Sunday.
Cheers
Oh my gosh I HAVE TO MAKE THIS. It looks so delicious and looking at your photos I can almost taste it! Beautiful
Haven’t heard about Hawaiian Luau Rice before. Interesting. Sounds a little like Hawaiian pizza, ham and pineapple.
‘We are going to the hukilau,
to the huki- to the huki- to the hukilau . . .
Everybody loves the hukilau.
Where the lau-lau is the kaukau at the big luau . . .’
How’s that for one who just loves the Islands: how can you not when there is an ‘Eha Street’ on most of them 🙂 ! [And, yes, yes: I have probably made a mistake with the lyrics, but Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra way back when {well, they were older!} thought I danced it best!!!!]. A fun recipe on a Sunday afternoon: thank you Bobbi!!
That was lovely Eha! I can almost imagine you in a grass skirt and flower lei singing your little heart out with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. A great way to start out the weekend. Take Care, BAM