Essequibo Garlic Pork (Calvanese Thyme, Vinegar & Garlic Seared Pork) – Authentic Guyana Recipe
Portuguese-Guyanese classic: tangy garlic-and-thyme marinated pork pan-fried until crisp and golden.
- Country of Origin
- 🇬🇾 Guyana (South America, Americas)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Bite-sized pork loin or belly cubes, Crispy roasted potatoes, Warm bread, Lots of crushed garlic, Wiri-wiri chili
Ingredients for Essequibo Garlic Pork (Calvanese Thyme, Vinegar & Garlic Seared Pork) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) bite-sized pork loin or belly cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups crispy roasted potatoes, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup warm bread
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lots of crushed garlic
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Guyana seasoning (wiri-wiri chili, fine-leaf thyme, white vinegar)
- 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 lots of crushed garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add bite-sized pork loin or belly cubes and crispy roasted potatoes along with wiri-wiri chili, fine-leaf thyme, white vinegar, 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 warm bread and serve straight from the skillet.