Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1291 · Haitian Griot

Haitian Griot, and where to source it

Haitian Griot — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Haitian Griot Haitian 5best2buy.com

Braise the epis-marinated pork gently until tender first, then fry the pieces in their own rendered fat until the outsides crackle, so griot is crisp and dark on the surface but still juicy inside rather than fried dry from raw.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineHaitian
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Pork shoulder
Cut in chunks; the fat renders to fry the meat crisp.
3 lb
Epis
The Haitian blended green seasoning base of peppers, herbs, and garlic.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Sour orange
Naranja sur juice tenderizes and brightens the pork.
1/2 cup
Scotch bonnet
Piman bouk for heat in the marinade and pikliz.
1
Local / market
Onion
Sliced into the braise for aroma.
1
Thyme
A few sprigs in the braising liquid.
4 sprigs
Cabbage
Shredded for the pikliz slaw that always accompanies griot.
1/2 head
Vinegar
For the pikliz pickle.
1 cup
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Marinate in episToss the pork with epis, sour orange, thyme, and salt and marinate at least a few hours or overnight.
  2. Make piklizPack shredded cabbage, carrot, and scotch bonnet in vinegar and let it pickle while the pork cooks.
  3. Braise tenderSimmer the pork with its marinade, onion, and a little water, covered, until fork-tender and the liquid nearly gone.
  4. Fry crispRaise the heat or move the pieces to hot oil and fry until the outsides are dark and crackling.
  5. Serve with piklizPile the griot with plenty of pikliz and fried plantains, or diri kole on the side.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Jar · Tongs

Straight Answers
Can you make Haitian Griot in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Haitian Griot? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Haitian Griot ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Haitian Griot gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Haitian Griot vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1291