Entree: United States – Florida – Haitian Griot (Marinated and braised then fried pork shoulder in a citrus and hot-pepper marinade)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Additional 4 hrs

Total 5 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 3 lb (1.36 kg) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch (4 cm) cubes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour orange juice or 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice + 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice as substitute
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp / 15 g)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet or habanero, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat)
- 1 medium onion, sliced, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp (8 g) salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or low-sodium stock
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil for frying (plus more if needed)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped scallions or onion slivers for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine sour orange juice (or orange+lime), white vinegar, minced garlic, chopped Scotch bonnet, sliced onion, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add pork cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
2. Transfer pork and marinade to a heavy pot. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until pork is tender but not falling apart, about 45–60 minutes. Remove pork and reserve the braising liquid; reduce the liquid over medium heat until slightly thickened (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Heat 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, fry pork cubes until nicely browned and crisp on the edges, 4–6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
4. Return all fried pork to the pan and toss with the reduced braising liquid for a few minutes to coat and reheat. Adjust seasoning.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions or extra thin onion slices. Serve hot with white rice, diri kole ak pwa, and pikliz or plantains.