Lechona en Escabeche

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pork in a tangy citrus and vinegar sauce, a festive Puerto Rican dish with bold flavors. This puerto rican-inspired sheet pan ready in about 145 minutes pairs cubed pork shoulder, medium, sliced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion. Stir to coat the pork.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a sheet pan, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours, basting occasionally with the juices.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, ensuring the pork is tender and the sauce is tangy and slightly caramelized.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lechona en Escabeche take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lechona en Escabeche?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lechona en Escabeche?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lechona en Escabeche for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lechona en Escabeche?

Puerto Rican sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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