El Gallo Pinto from Costa Rica Beans and Rice

Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica with this vibrant and hearty Gallo Pinto, a classic dish of perfectly seasoned black beans and rice. Featuring sautéed red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, this recipe is infused with the iconic taste of Salsa Lizano—or Worcestershire sauce for a creative substitute. Fresh cilantro adds a bright finishing touch, while every bite is a harmonious blend of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser can be enjoyed as a filling breakfast main alongside eggs or sweet plantains, or as a versatile side dish to complement your favorite grilled meats. Explore the heart of Costa Rican cuisine with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups White rice (cooked)
• 1.5 cups Black beans (cooked, with liquid)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Salsa Lizano (or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Add the diced red bell pepper and yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and the onion turns translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the cooked black beans along with their liquid. Let them simmer for about 3 minutes to warm through and thicken slightly.

Step 5

Add the cooked white rice to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine it with the beans and vegetables.

Step 6

Mix in the Salsa Lizano (or Worcestershire sauce), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Once the mixture is heated evenly, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the chopped cilantro. Gently stir to distribute it.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a main breakfast dish or as a side to accompany grilled meats, eggs, or plantains.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1244.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1397.8

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1614.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.4g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 47.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 247.7mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 2153.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.8%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 66.8%