Costa Rican cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in the heart of Central America.
From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering desserts, Costa Rican recipes are a celebration of simple, yet bold flavors.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’ll transport your taste buds to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica.
We’ve rounded up over 10 of the best Costa Rican recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or downright comforting, these dishes will hit the spot. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
1. Gallo Pinto (The National Dish of Costa Rica)
Gallo Pinto is the ultimate Costa Rican staple. This flavorful rice and beans dish is a breakfast favorite, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to eat it all day long.
The secret? Lizano sauce, a tangy, slightly sweet condiment that gives it its signature flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Lizano sauce (or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make It:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
Add the cooked rice and beans, stirring to combine. Pour in the Lizano sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with cilantro and serve with eggs or plantains.
Why We Chose It:
Gallo Pinto is the heart and soul of Costa Rican cuisine. It’s simple, versatile, and packed with flavor.
Plus, it’s a great way to start your day with a burst of energy.
2. Casado (The Ultimate Costa Rican Lunch)
Think of Casado as the Costa Rican version of a balanced plate. It’s a hearty meal that typically includes rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein like chicken or fish. It’s the kind of meal that’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 chicken breast (or fish fillet)
- 1 ripe plantain, sliced
- 1 cup cabbage salad (shredded cabbage, carrots, and lime dressing)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
In a separate pan, fry the plantain slices until golden brown. Assemble the plate with rice, beans, chicken, plantains, and cabbage salad.
Drizzle with a bit of lime juice for extra zing.
Why We Chose It:
Casado is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Plus, it’s super customizable—you can swap out the protein or sides to suit your taste.
3. Olla de Carne (Hearty Beef Stew)
Olla de Carne is Costa Rica’s answer to beef stew, but with a tropical twist.
Loaded with root vegetables, corn, and tender beef, this stew is a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 yam, peeled and diced
- 1 plantain, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a large pot, brown the beef over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the corn, potatoes, yam, plantain, and cumin.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Why We Chose It:
Olla de Carne is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in.
4. Arroz con Leche (Creamy Rice Pudding)
This creamy, cinnamon-spiced dessert is a Costa Rican classic. It’s sweet, comforting, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
How to Make It:
In a saucepan, combine the rice, milk, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender.
Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with ground cinnamon.
Why We Chose It:
Arroz con Leche is a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s loved by kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Patacones (Crispy Fried Plantains)
Patacones are crispy, savory plantain slices that are perfect as a snack or side dish. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and totally addictive.
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Peel the plantains and cut them into thick slices. Fry the slices in hot oil until golden.
Remove and flatten each slice with a tortilla press or the bottom of a glass.
Fry again until crispy. Sprinkle with salt and serve with guacamole or beans.
Why We Chose It:
Patacones are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and pair well with just about anything.
6. Sopa Negra (Black Bean Soup)
Sopa Negra is a simple yet flavorful black bean soup that’s both nutritious and delicious.
It’s often served with a hard-boiled egg on top for extra protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black beans, soaked overnight
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hard-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)
How to Make It:
Drain the soaked beans and add them to a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
In a separate pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft. Add the sautéed veggies and cumin to the beans.
Simmer for another 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a hard-boiled egg on top if desired.
Why We Chose It:
Sopa Negra is a comforting, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
7. Tamales de Costa Rica (Traditional Tamales)
Costa Rican tamales are a holiday favorite, but they’re so good you’ll want to make them year-round.
They’re filled with a savory mixture of masa, vegetables, and sometimes chicken, all wrapped in banana leaves.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Banana leaves, cut into squares
How to Make It:
Mix the masa harina with chicken broth to form a dough. In a separate pan, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and potato until soft.
Add the shredded chicken. Spread a layer of masa dough on a banana leaf, add a spoonful of the chicken mixture, and fold the leaf to enclose the filling. Steam the tamales for 1.5-2 hours.
Why We Chose It:
Tamales are a labor of love, but they’re worth every minute. They’re a true taste of Costa Rican tradition.
8. Ceviche Tico (Costa Rican-Style Ceviche)
Costa Rican ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish made with fresh fish, lime juice, and veggies. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets, diced
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Place the diced fish in a bowl and cover with lime juice. Let it marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours until the fish is opaque.
Drain the lime juice and mix the fish with the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Why We Chose It:
Ceviche Tico is a fresh, zesty dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
9. Tres Leches Cake (Decadent Milk Cake)
Tres Leches Cake is a moist, milky dessert that’s a favorite in Costa Rica.
It’s soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale.
Add the milk and vanilla. Fold in the flour mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the batter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Mix the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
Pour over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Why We Chose It:
Tres Leches Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
10. Chifrijo (Beans, Rice, and Rinds)
Chifrijo is a popular bar snack in Costa Rica. It’s a hearty mix of rice, beans, pico de gallo, and crispy rinds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 cup pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice)
- 1 cup crispy rinds
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
How to Make It:
Layer the rice, beans, and pico de gallo in a bowl. Top with crispy rinds and avocado slices if desired. Serve with tortilla chips on the side.
Why We Chose It:
Chifrijo is a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
11. Empanadas de Chiverre (Squash Empanadas)
These sweet empanadas are filled with chiverre, a type of squash, and spiced with cinnamon and sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chiverre (or butternut squash), cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix the mashed chiverre with sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, water, and oil to form a dough.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the chiverre mixture in the center of each circle, fold over, and seal the edges. Fry until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
Empanadas de Chiverre are a unique and delicious treat that’s perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Conclusion
Costa Rican cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 11 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of Gallo Pinto for breakfast or indulging in a slice of Tres Leches Cake, these dishes are sure to impress.