Hawaiian Paradise Platter from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features tender kalua pork, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy coconut rice, beautifully arranged with fresh macaroni salad and a slice of their signature sweet Hawaiian roll, delivering a vibrant and tropical dining experience.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Rice cooker
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving platter
- Tongs
- Spoon or rice paddle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, skinless)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup finely diced carrot
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package)
Make sure to use boneless, skinless pork shoulder for tender kalua pork, and opt for Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke to capture authentic island flavors. Jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk and water is essential to achieve the dish's signature fluffy and fragrant coconut rice. Fresh pineapple chunks add natural sweetness, balancing the savory components, while elbow macaroni combined with mayonnaise, whole milk, and finely diced vegetables creates a creamy and refreshing macaroni salad. Adjust salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the dish. Your Hawaiian Paradise Platter from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu will truly shine with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rub pork shoulder with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke.
- Place pork in slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours.
- Shred cooked pork with forks and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear.
- Combine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in rice cooker.
- Cook rice until fluffy and tender.
- Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, whole milk, diced carrot, celery, and onion.
- Add cooked macaroni to the dressing; mix well.
- Season macaroni salad with salt and pepper to taste; chill if desired.
- Prepare fresh pineapple chunks.
- Arrange shredded kalua pork, coconut rice, and macaroni salad on a serving platter.
- Add pineapple chunks and a slice of King’s Hawaiian sweet roll to each plate.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the Hawaiian Paradise Platter.
Substitution
The Hawaiian Paradise Platter from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu can be customized with substitutions to suit your kitchen supplies and taste preferences. If a slow cooker or Instant Pot is unavailable, a large oven-safe pot can be used to slow roast the pork shoulder in the oven at low heat. For the coconut rice, jasmine rice may be swapped with basmati or long-grain rice, but be mindful that cooking times and water ratios might slightly differ. Should elbow macaroni be hard to find, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work well for the macaroni salad. You can also adjust the mayonnaise and milk in the salad dressing to achieve your preferred creaminess and texture.
Tips
Ensure you thoroughly rub the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke into the pork shoulder for authentic kalua pork flavor. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear to prevent gummy, sticky rice in your coconut rice dish. When making the macaroni salad, cool the drained pasta completely before mixing with the mayonnaise dressing to avoid a watery texture. Remember to balance seasoning by tasting the salad and rice, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your personal preference.
Nutritions
The Hawaiian Paradise Platter offers a balanced mix of macronutrients with protein from tender kalua pork and carbohydrates from coconut jasmine rice, macaroni salad, and sweet Hawaiian rolls. The pork provides essential amino acids and is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt for added minerals, while coconut milk enriches the rice with healthy fats and a subtle sweetness. Fresh pineapple chunks contribute dietary fiber, vitamins C and antioxidants, enhancing the platter's nutritional profile. Your meal delivers a satisfying combination of tropical flavors alongside essential nutrients, ideal for a wholesome and flavorful dining experience.
Storage
Store leftover kalua pork in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Coconut rice is best stored in a separate container to maintain its texture, remaining fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Your macaroni salad should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days to preserve the freshness of the mayonnaise and vegetables.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the pork shoulder with boneless pork butt for a richer flavor and slightly higher fat content. If a slow cooker or Instant Pot isn't available, braising the pork in a covered Dutch oven at 300degF for 3-4 hours works well. For the coconut rice, replacing jasmine rice with basmati can give a nuttier aroma, while using light coconut milk reduces fat without sacrificing moisture. Consider swapping elbow macaroni with small shell pasta for better sauce coating in the macaroni salad.
Allergies
The Hawaiian Paradise Platter may contain allergens such as dairy from the mayonnaise and whole milk in the macaroni salad, and gluten in the King's Hawaiian sweet rolls. Your meal could also trigger sensitivities if you have allergies to pork or coconut milk. Always verify ingredient labels and notify the restaurant if you have specific food allergies before ordering.
Why this recipe?
The Hawaiian Paradise Platter from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features a flavorful combination of sweet King's Hawaiian rolls, tender kalua pork, savory teriyaki chicken, and fresh island-style pineapple, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory tastes. Its harmonious balance of traditional Hawaiian ingredients garnished with vibrant sides offers an authentic island dining experience. You will appreciate the platter's ability to transport your taste buds to the tropics, making it a rewarding dish to recreate at home. Mastering this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the iconic flavors of King's Hawaiian while customizing the ingredients to suit your preferences.