If you’ve been following our blog, you know I’ve fallen head over heels for Central American cuisine. Today I’m sharing my favorite Costa Rican Gallo Pinto recipe that my Costa Rican wife taught me. This traditional rice and beans breakfast dish is so flavorful and you can find it everywhere in Costa Rica, and we are excited to show you how to make authentic Costa Rican Gallo Pinto in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Costa Rican Gallo Pinto Recipe Special?
Gallo Pinto (which translates to “spotted rooster”) gets its name from the speckled appearance created when mixing black beans with white rice. It’s more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a cultural institution in Costa Rica, served in homes and restaurants throughout the country.
The magic of a traditional Costa Rican Gallo Pinto recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the essential Salsa Lizano giving it that distinctive taste that’s impossible to replicate with substitutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best)
- Cooked black beans with some of their liquid
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons Salsa Lizano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For serving:
- Eggs (prepared to your preference)
- Salchichón (Costa Rican sausage) or substitute with chorizo
- Fresh cheese (like queso Turrialba)
- Fresh coffee or agua dulce (optional, but recommended for the full experience!)
Step-by-Step Costa Rican Gallo Pinto Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the rice ahead of time. Ideally, use leftover rice from the day before as it has the perfect texture for Gallo Pinto. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and let it cool completely.
- Prep your vegetables. Finely dice the onions and bell peppers, and chop the cilantro. The small pieces will distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Stir-Fry the vegetables. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they’re soft and aromatic and the cilantro (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the first portion of beans and rice. Pour in half of the beans with some of their liquid, followed by half of the rice. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients.
- Complete the mixture. Add the remaining rice and beans, stirring gently to incorporate everything without making the rice mushy.
- Season with Salsa Lizano. This is the crucial step! Add 2-3 tablespoons of Salsa Lizano (depending on your taste preference), along with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. The Salsa Lizano gives Gallo Pinto its distinctive Costa Rican flavor that can’t be replicated with any substitute.
- Plate your Gallo Pinto. Serve a generous portion of the rice and bean mixture as the foundation of your breakfast.
- Prepare the accompaniments. In the same pan (to save on dishes and capture all the flavors):
- Cut the salchichón into bite-sized pieces and fry until golden brown
- Fry slices of fresh cheese until they develop a light golden crust
- Cook your eggs to preference. Either sunny side up (traditional) or scrambled
- Assemble your plate. Place the fried salchichón, cheese, and eggs alongside your Gallo Pinto. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for Authentic Gallo Pinto
- The rice ratio matters: The ideal ratio is about 60% rice to 40% beans for authentic texture.
- Don’t skimp on Salsa Lizano: This condiment is non-negotiable for authentic flavor.
- Using the same pan: Cooking the components in the same pan builds layers of flavor that make the dish special.
- Quick breakfast option: With pre-cooked rice, this entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes!
Finding Salsa Lizano
Salsa Lizano might be challenging to find in regular grocery stores outside Central America. This unique sauce has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with hints of cumin and is essential for authentic Gallo Pinto.
Good news! You can find authentic Salsa Lizano in our online shop at www.shop.lifetime-insight.com. With a bottle of this magical sauce in your kitchen, you’ll be perfectly equipped to bring the authentic taste of Costa Rica to your breakfast table.
Experience More Costa Rican Recipes
Are you interested in expanding your Costa Rican culinary repertoire beyond this Gallo Pinto recipe? My wife and I are planning to offer Costa Rican cooking classes here in Switzerland, taught by a genuine Costa Rican native! If you’re eager to discover more flavorful dishes and authentic Costa Rican recipes from this beautiful country, sign up for our waiting list below.
With this Costa Rican Gallo Pinto recipe mastered, you’ve taken your first step into the vibrant world of Costa Rican cuisine. ¡Buen provecho!
Have you tried making Gallo Pinto before? What’s your favorite Central American dish? Let me know in the comments below!
