Our full recipe guide on how to make Gallo Pinto the most popular breakfast in Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, few dishes capture the essence of everyday life quite like Gallo Pinto. This simple yet flavorful mix of rice and beans isn’t just a meal — it’s a cultural staple that finds its way onto breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables across the country. For Costa Ricans, Gallo Pinto is more than food; it’s a symbol of national pride, tradition, and the comforting taste of home.
What makes Gallo Pinto stand out is its humble list of ingredients combined with a careful cooking method that creates depth and richness. Black beans, white rice, onion, bell pepper, and the distinctive Lizano sauce come together in perfect harmony, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s an example of how Costa Rican cuisine transforms simple pantry staples into something unforgettable.
In this post, we’ll guide you through making authentic Costa Rican Gallo Pinto at home. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or want to experience a taste of pura vida culture, this recipe brings a beloved dish from the heart of Costa Rica right to your kitchen.
Read here Traditional Costa Rican Desserts, Costa Rican food, fruits in Costa Rica, vegetarian food in Costa Rica, drinks in Costa Rica and best restaurants in San Jose
Read here 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary and best Costa Rica Sim card for tourist
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Best Time to Eat & How to Partner This Dish
Traditionally, Gallo Pinto is a breakfast favorite, often served with scrambled or fried eggs, fresh cheese, and plantains. However, it’s also a popular choice for lunch or a light dinner, thanks to its satisfying yet wholesome nature. Its versatility makes it a reliable dish for any time of day.
To make it a full meal, pair Gallo Pinto with sliced avocado, tortillas, or a dollop of sour cream. For a traditional Costa Rican experience, serve it alongside a cup of strong Costa Rican coffee during breakfast or a refreshing tropical juice like tamarindo or guanábana for lunch. It also pairs well with grilled meats or seafood for a heartier lunch option.
The beauty of Gallo Pinto is its ability to adapt — it fits into casual family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or a quick and nourishing weekday dinner. Its flavors deepen when shared, making it perfect for gatherings where good food and great company meet.
One common misconception is that Gallo Pinto is just another rice and beans dish. While the base ingredients are similar to other Latin American staples, what sets Gallo Pinto apart is the use of Lizano sauce and the specific cooking technique that allows the flavors to meld uniquely — creating a dish that’s distinctly Costa Rican.
Another debated belief is that Gallo Pinto is only meant for breakfast. While it’s a traditional morning meal in Costa Rica, many locals enjoy it at any time of day. In fact, it’s a common sight at lunch counters and family dinners, proving its versatility well beyond the breakfast table.
Perhaps most surprising is the idea that Gallo Pinto can’t be authentic without Lizano sauce. While Lizano gives the dish its signature taste, some home cooks create delicious variations using homemade sauces or simple seasonings. The heart of Gallo Pinto lies more in the method and love put into preparing it than in any single ingredient.
How to Make Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto Recipe Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice as it fries better)
1 cup cooked black beans (with some of their liquid)
1 small onion
1 bell pepper (red or green)
2 cloves garlic
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce (traditional Costa Rican condiment, if available)
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Step By Step How to Make Gallo Pinto
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Ensure your rice and beans are cooked. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated works best as it’s less sticky and fries well.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened and add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3 – Combine Rice and Beans
Incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet with the onion, pepper, and garlic. Stir well to combine and allow the rice to fry slightly, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked black beans along with some of their cooking liquid. The liquid will help to moisten the rice and add flavor.
Add Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
Cook together for a few minutes more to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Once everything is heated through and combined, stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness.
Serve hot the Gallo Pinto can be enjoyed on its own or served with scrambled or fried eggs, and sometimes with a side of fried plantains or a slice of cheese.
Tips To Make Gallo Pinto
If you can find Lizano sauce is a key ingredient in traditional Gallo Pinto, adding a unique, slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Depending on the region use red beans instead of black beans. Gallo Pinto is a versatile and filling dish, perfect for starting the day or as a comforting meal at any time.
How Many Calories Has A Gallo Pinto
About 400 calories (200 calories per cup for white rice). Cooked Black Beans (1 cup) is approximately 220 calories. Vegetable Oil (2-3 tablespoons) is about 120 calories per tablespoon.
Onion is around 40 calories, Bell Pepper is about 25 calories and Garlic is 10 calories. Lizano Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) is around 15 calories.
Gallo Pinto made with these ingredients would likely total around 850 to 970 calories. If this batch serves 4, each serving would roughly contain 212 to 243 calories.
Serving Suggestions
Gallo Pinto may be a humble dish of rice and beans, but it shines brightest when accompanied by the right sides. In Costa Rica, it’s traditionally served at breakfast with a fried or scrambled egg on top, a few slices of ripe avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or natilla. Add a warm corn tortilla or crispy toast on the side to scoop every last bite. And don’t forget the Lizano sauce—this tangy, slightly sweet condiment is essential to bringing out the dish’s iconic flavor.
You can also transform Gallo Pinto into a hearty lunch or dinner. Simply pair it with grilled or roasted chicken, a slice of fried plantain, or a side of fresh salad. It’s versatile enough to support both vegetarian and meat-based meals. The key is balance: creamy textures, vibrant colors, and just enough crunch to contrast with the softness of the rice and beans.
For a more modern or international twist, consider serving it inside a breakfast burrito, alongside sautéed vegetables, or even with poached eggs and spicy salsa for a brunch-ready option. Gallo Pinto adapts beautifully to any setting, whether you’re plating for a casual family breakfast or impressing guests with a Costa Rican-themed dinner.
Final Thoughts
Gallo Pinto is more than a dish—it’s a ritual that brings families together around the table in Costa Rica. It represents comfort, culture, and resourcefulness. Though it’s made from everyday ingredients, the love and tradition poured into it make it feel anything but ordinary. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why locals hold it so dear—and why travelers keep coming back for more.
In a world obsessed with novelty and reinvention, Gallo Pinto is a powerful reminder that simple food, done right, can still steal the spotlight. Its flavor doesn’t come from complexity, but from the slow layering of familiar ingredients that work in harmony. For anyone looking to explore Costa Rican culture without a plane ticket, this dish is the perfect starting point.
Making Gallo Pinto at home is a chance to connect with a part of the world that values slow mornings, strong coffee, and food that tells a story. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or make it your own, you’re not just cooking—you’re honoring a national treasure.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.