Skip to main content
Epicurious

Steamed Uku Laulau with Ginger-Scallion Sauce

Steamed Uku Laulau with Ginger-Scallion Sauce Laulau is the traditional Hawaiian method of wrapping salted fish in taro and ti leaves and then steaming it in the imu. Later, the method was used for salted pork. In this recipe, we get much the same effect using ti leaves in a steamer. Like other snappers, the delicate flesh of the uku is best steamed. The Chinese-style sauce gives the perfect finishing touch without overwhelming the subtle flavors of the fish.
Image may contain Food Meal Dish Plant Bowl Animal Seafood Sea Life and Lobster
Steamed Uku Laulau with Ginger-Scallion SauceKeith Ferris/The Culinary Instit

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

8 ti leaves or banana leaf squares
4 (6-ounce) uku (gray snapper) fillets
Salt to taste
4 ounces ogo (seaweed)
4 (1-ounce) slices lop cheong (Chinese sausage) or other hard sausage

Ginger-Scallion Sauce

1/4 cup finely julienned ginger
1/4 cup finely julienned scallions, white parts only
1/4 cup julienned onion
1/4 cup peanut oil
1/4 cup dark sesame oil
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1/4 cup Yamasa soy sauce or other brand
1 tablespoon cilantro leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place 2 ti or banana leaves in a crisscross pattern on a flat work surface. Season the uku with salt. Place 1 fillet in the center of the leaves. Top the fish with one quarter of the ogo and a slice of the lop cheong. Fold over the ti leaves to form a package and secure with kitchen twine. Repeat for the remaining 3 packages.

    Step 2

    Place the laulau packages in a steamer or vegetable basket set in a saucepan of lightly boiling water. Cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

    Step 3

    To prepare the sauce, in a bowl, combine the ginger, scallions, and onion. Season with salt. Let sit for 3 minutes. In a saucepan over high heat, heat the peanut oil until just smoking. Carefully add to the bowl. Add the sesame oil, stock, and soy sauce and mix thoroughly.

    Step 4

    To serve, place the packages on individual plates. Cut open at the table.Top the fish with the sauce.

Reprinted with permission from Alan Wong's New Wave Luau by Alan Wong, copyright C 1999, 2003. Published by Ten Speed Press. Photo credit: Danna Martel C 1999, 2003
TagsHawaiianAmericanSnapperFishSeafoodSausageMeatGingerHerbs & SpicesScallionOnionRoot VegetableVegetableMainDinnerDairy FreeSteamCookbooks
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Chicken Meatballs With Sesame Green Beans
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Dulce de Leche
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.