Luau Menu Planning

Are you hosting a luau-themed celebration? Party planning for a fun themed event like this can be overwhelming from the decorations to the invitations. When it comes to luau menu planning you can make it easy by preparing traditional Hawaiian food. Hawaiian luau food is tropical and zesty, so pick recipes that incorporate traditional Hawaiian ingredients such as coconut, pineapple and kiwi. Also pick only a few dishes to serve that are easy to prepare to save you time. Here are some simple luau recipes, luau dessert recipes and cocktails to help you put on memorable Hawaiian celebration.

Luau Party Food Recipes:

Coconut Lime Shrimp

• 2 lbs. peeled and deveined shrimp
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp. Chinese five spice
• 3 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for frying)

Clean the shrimp and rinse them under cool water, patting dry. In a plastic bag, combine the breadcrumbs, the zest of three limes, shredded coconut, Chinese five spices, salt and pepper. Mix well. In a bowl, crack and beat two eggs. Dip a shrimp in the egg and then into the coconut breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until each shrimp is coated. Next, cook the shrimp in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Place cooked shrimp on paper towels to drain off excess oil. Serve on a platter garnished with lime wedges.

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• 2 lbs. chicken breast (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 pineapple (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
• ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice from 2 lemons
• Wooden skewers

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, salt, pepper, cilantro and lemon juice. Toss until each piece of chicken is coated. Assemble the kabobs by alternating chicken and pineapple until ¾ of the skewer is full. Once all of the skewers are assembled, cook on a preheated grill over medium heat. Let cook for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, turning frequently. Serve on a large platter and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lemon wedges.

Luau Dessert Recipes:

Tropical Fruit Salad

• 1 pineapple, cubed
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 mango, cubed
• 1 cup kiwi, sliced
• 1 cup watermelon, cubed
• ¼ cup sugar

In a larger serving bowl, combine all of the fruit. Top with the sugar and toss to coat the fruit evenly. Serve with a side of freshly whipped cream.

Traditional Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding)

• 12 oz. coconut milk, chilled
• 1½ cups water
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup cornstarch

In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and heat on medium until the mixture is thickened. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly for 10 minutes. Then, pour into an 8x8 dish and chill until it sets. Cut the pudding into squares and serve.

Luau Signature Cocktail Recipes:

Mai Tai

• 1 oz. clear rum
• ½ oz. crème de almond
• ½ oz. triple sec
• ½ oz. Meyer’s dark rum
• Pineapple juice
• Sweet and sour mix

Pour the rum, crème de almond and triple sec in an 8 oz. glass. Next, add ice and equal parts pineapple juice/sweet and sour mix. Top with Meyer’s dark rum and serve unstirred. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple slice.

Pina Colada

• 2 oz. clear rum
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 2 oz. cream of coconut

In a blender, combine all of the ingredients. Blend together until smooth. Serve in an 8 oz. glass and garnish with a pineapple slice.

Prepare these luau recipe ideas for friends and family and transport everyone to a tropical destination.