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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
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.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the cooked black beans along with their liquid. Let them simmer for about 3 minutes to warm through and thicken slightly.
Add the cooked white rice to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine it with the beans and vegetables.
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.
Once the mixture is heated evenly, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the chopped cilantro. Gently stir to distribute it.
Serve immediately as a main breakfast dish or as a side to accompany grilled meats, eggs, or plantains.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.2 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1614 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 236.1 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.4 g | 144% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.2 g | ||
| Protein | 47.4 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 248 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 2154 mg | 46% | |
*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.
