Palauan cuisine is a hidden gem in the Pacific, blending fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and hearty root vegetables into dishes that are as vibrant as the islands themselves.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’re in for a treat.
Palauan recipes are not just meals; they’re a celebration of culture, tradition, and the bounty of the ocean.
Get ready to dive into a world of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.
From savory stews to refreshing desserts, these Palauan recipes are a must-try for anyone who loves exploring new cuisines.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinners, these dishes will transport you straight to the islands. Let’s get cooking!
1. Ulkoy (Palauan Shrimp Patties)
Ulkoy is the ultimate Palauan comfort food. These crispy shrimp patties are a staple at family gatherings and local feasts.
Made with fresh shrimp, grated coconut, and a mix of aromatic spices, they’re a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix the shrimp, grated coconut, onion, garlic, egg, flour, and coconut milk in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with a side of dipping sauce or enjoy as-is.
Why We Chose It:
Ulkoy is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a standout dish in Palauan cuisine.
2. Taro Soup with Coconut Milk
This creamy, hearty soup is a Palauan classic. Taro root, a staple in Pacific Island cooking, takes center stage here, simmered in rich coconut milk with a touch of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups taro root, peeled and cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the taro root in water or broth until tender. In a separate pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add the cooked taro and coconut milk. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Why We Chose It:
This soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with nutrients, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Palauan recipes.
3. Breadfruit Chips
Move over, potato chips! Breadfruit chips are the crunchy, addictive snack you didn’t know you needed.
Thinly sliced breadfruit is fried to perfection and lightly salted for a simple yet irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 breadfruit, peeled and thinly sliced
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the breadfruit slices in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve as a snack or side dish.
Why We Chose It:
Breadfruit chips are a fun and unique way to enjoy a Palauan staple. They’re crispy, light, and perfect for snacking.
4. Coconut Crab Delight
Coconut crab is a delicacy in Palau, and this recipe showcases its sweet, tender meat in a rich coconut sauce. It’s a dish that’s as luxurious as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb coconut crab meat
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the crab meat and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with steamed rice.
Why We Chose It:
Coconut crab is a rare treat, and this recipe highlights its unique flavor in a way that’s truly unforgettable.
5. Banana Lumpia (Palauan-Style Spring Rolls)
These sweet and savory spring rolls are a Palauan twist on a Filipino favorite.
Ripe bananas are wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried until golden, creating a dessert that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
- 10 spring roll wrappers
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Place a banana slice on each wrapper, sprinkle with brown sugar, and roll tightly. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve warm.
Why We Chose It:
Banana lumpia is a simple yet irresistible dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
6. Palauan Fish Soup
This light and flavorful fish soup is a staple in Palauan households.
Fresh fish is simmered with vegetables and coconut milk for a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the broth, coconut milk, carrot, and celery.
Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the fish and cook until opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
This soup is a testament to the simplicity and freshness of Palauan cuisine. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
7. Coconut Rice Pudding
This creamy, dreamy dessert is a Palauan favorite. Made with coconut milk, rice, and a touch of sugar, it’s the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer until thick and creamy. Serve warm or chilled.
Why We Chose It:
Coconut rice pudding is a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
8. Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
This dish is a celebration of Palau’s fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Grilled mahi-mahi is topped with a zesty mango salsa for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 mahi-mahi fillets
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Grill the mahi-mahi until cooked through. Mix the mango, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice for the salsa. Serve the fish topped with salsa.
Why We Chose It:
This dish is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, making it a standout in Palauan cuisine.
9. Taro Leaf Stew
Taro leaves are simmered in coconut milk with onions, garlic, and spices to create a hearty and flavorful stew.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups taro leaves, washed and chopped
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the taro leaves and coconut milk.
Simmer until the leaves are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice.
Why We Chose It:
This stew is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s a staple in Palauan households.
10. Palauan Coconut Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are made with coconut milk for a tropical twist on a breakfast classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the coconut milk and egg, and stir until smooth.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the pancakes until golden on both sides. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
Why We Chose It:
These pancakes are a delicious way to start your day with a taste of Palau.
11. Palauan Fruit Salad with Coconut Dressing
This refreshing fruit salad is topped with a creamy coconut dressing for a tropical treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, papaya, etc.)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
How to Make It:
Combine the fruits in a bowl. Whisk the coconut milk, honey, and lime juice for the dressing. Drizzle over the fruit and serve chilled.
Why We Chose It:
This fruit salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Palauan cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.
From crispy shrimp patties to creamy coconut rice pudding, these recipes offer a taste of the islands that’s sure to delight.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking your way through these incredible Palauan dishes.