Haitian Griot (Fried Jackfruit)

Haitian Griot is one of the most favorite and popular Haitian food dish. With a golden, crispy coating and a tender, flavorful middle, this griot is modified to a vegan version using Fried Jackfruit that will answer all your savory plant-based cravings.

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No need to sacrifice taste and texture. Haitian Griot is a perfect game snack, a new year’s celebration meal alongside Haitian black rice, or just a weekend treat to serve with Haitian Pikliz.

As you know from our story, we do not eat pork. However, this vegan pork version taste just like the real deal.

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A simple batter mix transforms this unusual fruit into something truly indulgent; taking you back to the same place “griot” once taste.

Whether you are leaning towards more of a plant-based diet or just want to try something new, these tasty little bites will keep you coming back for more.

Haitian Griot History

What makes Haitian food different from the rest of the Caribbean nation is the way our food is prepared. Haitian food is composed of a mixture of West African, French, American, and parts of the Middle Eastern dishes. All of which stems from when Haiti was colonized. 

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Original Haitian Griot is made from pork shoulders.  It is first seasoned then boiled/simmered with the original marinating liquid. Then it is shallow fried or sometimes deep fried resulting in a crispy outer layer, soft and tender on the inside. 

Haitian griot was often served to the upper class and the elites. Today, griot is served throughout the country. It is served, especially as “fritay” or fried food easily found amongst street vendors. 

Jackfruit As Haitian Fried Pork

Jackfruit is a large tree fruit that is found in certain parts of Asia. Thanks to its starchy and fibrous texture, young jackfruit makes a great meat alternative with a mild taste that acts as a perfect vehicle for all kinds of flavors.

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The flesh of the jackfruit looks surprisingly similar to chicken, creating a meat-free treat that even the most avid carnivores will love.

While it used to be quite hard to get hold of, jackfruit has had a huge boost in popularity the past few years and is now stocked at several major supermarkets.

Recipe For Griot – Ingredients

When buying canned jackfruit, it’s important that you look at what it has been packed in. It sometimes comes in syrup, which is not what we want for this recipe, and if it is packed in brine you will want to adjust the amount of salt you add.

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This griot Haitian food recipe, or Fried Jackfruit recipe uses a delicious Haitian seasoning base, that can be easily put together using staple ingredients.

Pork Shoulders – Because this is a vegan recipe, we are using green jackfruit to prepare this recipe.

Haitian Epis – Haitian Seasoning Base helps bring the jackfruit to life as the base of the authentic flavors.

Additional Seasoning – Kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika are used to further season the “meat”. Although paprika and cumin is not common to Haitian food recipes, the earthy flavors help to tie in the authenticity of this recipe.

Cornstarch And All Purpose Flour – Traditionally, griot is fried without flour. However, to maintain the consistency texture of this dish it is coated with cornstarch and flour to create an outer crispy layer.

Adding spices into the vegan pork (jackfruit) will help add some extra flavor, but you really don’t need to use anything special to create that crunchy texture you are looking for.

Oil For Frying – Either Vegetable oil or peanut oil will work in this recipe.

Simply coating it with flour and cornstarch will do the trick. Don’t worry about overcoating the “meat”; the excess can always be shaken off.

Ho To Cook Haitian Fried Pork / Fried Jackfruit?

The full recipe with the exact measurements are listed below, but here you’ll find all the steps with photos to help you make this perfectly every single time!

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Why Is My Fried Jackfruit Greasy?

Soggy or greasy Fried Jackfruit is most likely down to a mistake in the frying process. If your oil is not hot enough when you start to cook, then the food will simply absorb it resulting in a soggy end dish.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can put the end of a wooden spoon into the oil instead. If bubbles form around it, then your oil is good to go.

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Similarly, overcrowding your fryer will cause the temperature of the oil to drop. If your pan is not quite large enough, simply work in batches until all your Fried Jackfruit is done.

Haitian Food To Serve With Fried Jackfruit?

The crunchy little morsels pair well with all kinds of dips, particularly Pikliz. Although not common with griot, however, other sauces and dips may include ranch or honey mustard to a simple accompaniment of ketchup or mayonnaise. This griot Haitian food recipe is perfect all on its own.

You could even play on the jackfruit’s Asian roots with a soy dipping sauce with some freshly chopped green onions, or the spicy heat of Sriracha or sweet chili sauce. To turn your Fried Jackfruit into an indulgent meal, you could even whip up some fries to serve alongside.

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Although this fusion dish is perfect with any Haitian food dishes, consider pairing it with one of the following listed below:

Air Fryer Fried Plantains

Plantain Balls

Haitian Red Beans And Rice

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