Highlands Kaukau (Sweet Potato) & Mushroom Coconut Skillet – Authentic Papua New Guinea Recipe
Papua New Guinea Highlands staple pairing sweet kaukau with earthy mushrooms in coconut cream.
- Country of Origin
- 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea (Melanesia, Oceania)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Orange Highlands kaukau (sweet potato), Oyster mushrooms, Aibika greens, Thick coconut cream, Ginger
Ingredients for Highlands Kaukau (Sweet Potato) & Mushroom Coconut Skillet (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) orange Highlands kaukau (sweet potato), prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups oyster mushrooms, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup aibika greens
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with thick coconut cream
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Papua New Guinea seasoning (ginger, garlic, scallions)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and thick coconut cream for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add orange Highlands kaukau (sweet potato) and oyster mushrooms along with ginger, garlic, scallions, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with aibika greens and serve straight from the skillet.