Gallo Pinto Costa Rican Beans and Rice

Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with Gallo Pinto, the country's beloved beans and rice dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This culturally iconic recipe combines tender black beans and fluffy white rice, sautéed with aromatic garlic, onion, and red bell pepper for a hearty base. The addition of zesty Salsa Lizano—Costa Rica’s signature sauce—infuses the dish with a tangy, smoky depth that’s utterly irresistible (or use Worcestershire sauce as a convenient substitute). Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness, this one-pan meal is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Traditionally served alongside fried eggs, tortillas, or sweet plantains, Gallo Pinto is a satisfying vegetarian dish that brings the soul of Costa Rican cuisine straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1.5 cups cooked black beans (with liquid)
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 cup coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Salsa Lizano (or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the cooked black beans along with their liquid. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and gently fold everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the bean mixture.

Step 5

Stir in the Salsa Lizano (or Worcestershire sauce), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to combine flavors.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped coriander (cilantro) over the top.

Step 7

Serve the Gallo Pinto hot with your choice of fried eggs, tortillas, avocado slices, or plantains on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(991.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1205.7

Total Fat 29.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2392.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 194.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.7g	0%
Total Sugars 10.9g
Protein 43.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 192.0mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 1874.3mg	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: 21.7%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 64.0%