Costa Rican keto guide
Navigable
475 dishes164 keto as served113 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Keto adaptation requires strict avoidance of staple side dishes and deliberate ordering.
Top ingredients
Grilled meats (chicken, beef, fish), fried pork belly (chicharrón), avocado, and hearts of palm are the best traditional keto ingredients.
Danger zones
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous rice, beans, plantains, and starchy root vegetables, often served as default sides or thickeners in stews.
Best for
This cuisine is best for experienced keto dieters who are assertive in ordering modifications and comfortable with simple protein and non-starchy vegetable combinations.
475 dishes · page 1 of 8
Consomé de Res
Beef Consommé
A clear, rich, and flavorful beef broth, traditionally clarified to remove impurities. A simple and comforting…
1 net1 total0 fibre15 protein6 fat120 kcal
Mollejas de Res a la Plancha
Grilled Beef Gizzards (Keto Style)
Beef gizzards, known for their unique texture, grilled to perfection and often seasoned simply with salt, pepp…
2 net2 total0 fibre60 protein28 fat500 kcal
Orejitas de Cerdo Fritas
Fried Pig Ears
Crispy fried pig ears, a popular snack or appetizer. The ears are usually boiled until tender, then sliced and…
2 net3 total1 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Pavo Asado
Roast Turkey (Keto Style)
Traditional slow-roasted turkey, often prepared with herbs and spices. Request no stuffing or sugary glazes, f…
2 net2 total0 fibre70 protein28 fat550 kcal
Pescado Frito (sin acompañamientos de carbohidratos)
Fried Fish Fillet (Keto, served with no carb sides)
A fresh fish fillet, lightly seasoned and pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy and golden. The emphasis is on …
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein45 fat580 kcal
Fritada de Cerdo (Estilo Keto)
Fried Pork Bits (Keto Style)
Crispy, savory pieces of pork (often from shoulder or loin), fried until golden and tender, typically seasoned…
3 net4 total1 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Langosta a la Mantequilla
Lobster in Butter Sauce
Whole lobster, typically grilled or baked, then generously basted with a rich butter sauce, sometimes with gar…
3 net3 total0 fibre55 protein48 fat650 kcal
Bistec a Caballo (Estilo Keto)
Steak with Fried Egg (Keto Style)
A pan-seared or grilled beef steak, typically a sirloin or round cut, topped with one or two perfectly fried e…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein40 fat600 kcal
Caldo de Pescado (Sin Carbohidratos)
Fish Broth (Carb-Free)
A light, clear, and flavorful broth, often made with fish fillets or fish heads, seasoned with herbs, garlic, …
4 net6 total2 fibre35 protein15 fat300 kcal
Chicharrónes (de Panza de Cerdo) con Pico de Gallo
Crispy Pork Belly with Pico de Gallo (no tortilla)
Rendered and deep-fried crispy pork belly pieces, intensely flavorful and fatty. Served with a fresh pico de g…
4 net6 total2 fibre50 protein75 fat850 kcal
Ensalada de Camarones (Estilo Keto)
Shrimp Salad (Keto Style)
A light and refreshing salad made with cooked shrimp mixed with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, crisp celery, fi…
4 net6 total2 fibre30 protein40 fat500 kcal
Pargo Entero a la Sal (Estilo Keto)
Whole Red Snapper Baked in Salt Crust (Keto Style)
A whole red snapper baked encased in a thick crust of coarse sea salt and egg whites. This method steams the f…
4 net5 total1 fibre80 protein55 fat800 kcal
Pescado Entero Frito
Whole Fried Fish
A whole fresh fish, typically Tilapia or Red Snapper, seasoned and deep-fried until crispy. It's a popular coa…
4 net4 total0 fibre80 protein65 fat950 kcal
Pulpo al Ajillo (Keto)
Garlic Octopus (Keto Style)
Tender octopus tentacles cooked in rich butter and olive oil with plenty of minced garlic, seasoned with papri…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
Queso Frito
Fried Cheese
Thick slices of firm, salty Costa Rican white cheese (similar to queso blanco or halloumi) deep-fried until go…
4 net4 total0 fibre25 protein38 fat450 kcal
Sopa de Quelites (Estilo Keto)
Wild Greens Soup (Keto Style)
A light and earthy broth-based soup featuring local edible wild greens (quelites), often prepared simply with …
4 net7 total3 fibre15 protein18 fat250 kcal
Camarones al Ajillo (Keto)
Garlic Shrimp (Keto Style)
Large shrimp sautéed in generous amounts of butter and garlic, often with a splash of white wine or lime juice…
5 net6 total1 fibre45 protein48 fat600 kcal
Camarones Gratinados
Gratinated Shrimp
Succulent shrimp baked in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce until golden brown and bubbly. A popular restaurant dis…
5 net6 total1 fibre40 protein50 fat650 kcal
Ensalada de Atún (Keto)
Keto Tuna Salad (No Bread/Crackers)
A simple and satisfying tuna salad, typically made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion. This keto …
5 net11 total6 fibre32 protein62 fat725 kcal
Ensalada de Chicharrones con Aguacate y Aderezo de Limón
Chicharrones Salad with Avocado and Lime Vinaigrette
A refreshing and substantial salad featuring crispy pork belly chicharrones, mixed greens, ripe avocado, fresh…
5 net10 total5 fibre50 protein65 fat780 kcal
Ensalada Mixta con Aguacate
Mixed Salad with Avocado
A classic refreshing salad composed of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, red onion, and generous s…
5 net12 total7 fibre4 protein30 fat350 kcal
Huevos Revueltos con Tocino o Salchicha
Scrambled Eggs with Bacon or Sausage
A classic Costa Rican breakfast featuring scrambled eggs cooked with generous portions of crispy bacon or loca…
5 net5 total0 fibre40 protein55 fat680 kcal
Lomo de Res a la Parrilla con Vegetales Salteados
Grilled Beef Loin with Sautéed Vegetables (Keto Style)
A classic grilled beef loin steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. For a keto meal, it's served with a g…
5 net9 total4 fibre75 protein58 fat820 kcal
Pescado Entero al Ajillo (Keto)
Whole Fish with Garlic Sauce (Keto Style)
A whole pan-fried or baked fish (such as Tilapia or Red Snapper) generously topped with a rich garlic-butter s…
5 net7 total2 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Posta de Cerdo Asada
Grilled Pork Loin with Keto Sides
A lean cut of pork loin, marinated simply with garlic, salt, and pepper, then grilled to a tender, juicy finis…
5 net10 total5 fibre70 protein70 fat950 kcal
Posta de Pescado Frita con Ensalada Verde (Estilo Keto)
Fried Fish Fillet with Green Salad (Keto Style)
A tender fillet (posta) of white fish, lightly seasoned and pan-fried to a golden crisp, served alongside a fr…
5 net8 total3 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Torrejas de Chayote (Estilo Keto)
Keto Chayote Fritters
Grated chayote squash mixed with egg and a small amount of keto-friendly binder (such as almond flour or pork …
5 net8 total3 fibre12 protein26 fat320 kcal
Vainicas Salteadas con Tocino
Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon
Fresh green beans quickly sautéed with crispy bacon pieces and garlic, seasoned lightly. A simple yet flavorfu…
5 net10 total5 fibre12 protein25 fat300 kcal
Calamares Rellenos (Relleno Keto)
Stuffed Squid (Keto Filling)
Squid tubes carefully stuffed with a savory, keto-friendly mixture of ground meat (pork or beef), herbs, onion…
6 net9 total3 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
Ceviche de Pulpo
Octopus Ceviche
Tender cooked octopus marinated in fresh lime juice with finely diced red onion, bell peppers, cilantro, and a…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein20 fat380 kcal
Chicharrones con Ensalada de Repollo
Fried Pork Belly with Cabbage Salad
Crispy fried pork belly (chicharrones) served with a simple, refreshing cabbage salad dressed with lime and ci…
6 net10 total4 fibre65 protein90 fat1100 kcal
Chorizo en Salsa con Vegetales (Estilo Keto)
Chorizo in Sauce with Vegetables (Keto Style)
Flavorful Costa Rican chorizo cooked in a rich, savory sauce with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and often a hi…
6 net9 total3 fibre35 protein55 fat650 kcal
Chuletillas de Cerdo a la Plancha con Vegetales
Grilled Pork Chops with Sautéed Vegetables (Keto Style)
Flavorful grilled pork chops, typically seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. For a keto meal, this is serve…
6 net10 total4 fibre65 protein55 fat750 kcal
Costillas de Res Estofadas
Braised Beef Ribs (Keto Style)
Beef ribs slowly braised until fork-tender in a savory sauce. Typically made with a base of onions, garlic, be…
6 net9 total3 fibre65 protein55 fat750 kcal
Ensalada de Palmito
Palm Heart Salad
A refreshing salad featuring tender, delicate slices of hearts of palm, mixed with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoe…
6 net12 total6 fibre5 protein30 fat350 kcal
Gallina Guisada
Stewed Hen (Keto Style)
Tender hen pieces slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The hen prov…
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Gallo de Salchichón (Sin Tortilla)
Cured Sausage with Avocado (No Tortilla)
A classic Costa Rican 'gallo' normally served in a tortilla, this keto version features pan-fried or grilled s…
6 net16 total10 fibre34 protein93 fat1050 kcal
Lomito de Res en Salsa Pimienta
Beef Tenderloin in Pepper Sauce (Keto)
Pan-seared beef tenderloin served with a robust and creamy green peppercorn sauce, a popular upscale choice in…
6 net7 total1 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Lomo de Cerdo en Salsa de Champiñones
Pork Loin in Mushroom Sauce (Keto)
Tender pork loin medallions cooked in a rich, savory, and creamy mushroom sauce. This is a common and elegant …
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Mariscada a la Plancha
Grilled Seafood Platter (Keto Style)
A generous platter of mixed grilled seafood, typically including various types of fish fillets, shrimp, octopu…
6 net8 total2 fibre90 protein50 fat850 kcal
Pechuga de Pollo Rellena (Relleno Keto)
Keto Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken breast stuffed with a savory keto-friendly filling such as a mix of cheese, spinach, or mushrooms, the…
6 net10 total4 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Pescado Empapelado con Vegetales
Baked Fish in Foil with Vegetables (Keto Style)
A fish fillet (e.g., snapper, dorado) baked in parchment paper or foil with butter or olive oil, garlic, herbs…
6 net10 total4 fibre40 protein28 fat450 kcal
Pescado en Escabeche (Estilo Keto)
Pickled Fish (Keto Style)
Flaked cooked white fish (often leftover from a baked or pan-fried preparation) marinated in a tangy, savory e…
6 net10 total4 fibre50 protein40 fat600 kcal
Picadillo de Flor de Itabo con Carne (Estilo Keto)
Itabo Flower Hash with Ground Beef (Keto Style)
A unique Costa Rican hash featuring flor de itabo (the edible flower of the yuca tree), sautéed with seasoned …
6 net10 total4 fibre45 protein38 fat550 kcal
Pollo Asado Achiotado
Achiote-Roasted Chicken with Keto Sides
Succulent chicken marinated in achiote (annatto), garlic, and a blend of traditional spices, then slow-roasted…
6 net12 total6 fibre80 protein80 fat1100 kcal
Pollo en Salsa de Coco
Chicken in Coconut Sauce (Keto Style)
Chicken pieces simmered in a creamy and aromatic coconut milk sauce, often with bell peppers, onions, and spic…
6 net10 total4 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Posta de Cerdo en Salsa Verde
Pork Loin in Green Sauce (Keto Style)
Tender slices of pork loin slow-cooked or braised in a vibrant green sauce, typically made from cilantro, bell…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein35 fat580 kcal
Pulpo Guisado
Stewed Octopus (Keto Style)
Tender octopus slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. A flavor…
6 net9 total3 fibre50 protein30 fat520 kcal
Salpicón de Pollo (Estilo Keto)
Shredded Chicken Salad with Avocado
Finely shredded chicken breast mixed with diced bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and a tangy lime and olive oil…
6 net10 total4 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
Sopa de Pata (Estilo Keto)
Cow's Foot Soup (Keto Style)
A traditional, hearty, and gelatinous soup featuring tender slow-cooked cow's foot in a rich, savory broth. Th…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
Sopa de Pescado Cremosa (Estilo Keto)
Creamy Fish Soup (Keto Style)
A comforting, rich and hearty soup featuring tender chunks of fresh white fish in a creamy broth, typically pr…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein32 fat480 kcal
Vigorón (Sin Yuca)
Chicharrón and Cabbage Salad (No Yuca)
A refreshing and savory combination of crispy fried pork belly (chicharrón) served atop a simple salad of shre…
6 net12 total6 fibre60 protein65 fat800 kcal
Corazón Encebollado (Estilo Keto)
Onioned Beef Heart (Keto Style)
Slices of beef heart pan-seared or stewed until tender, generously smothered with sautéed and caramelized onio…
7 net10 total3 fibre55 protein30 fat550 kcal
Ensalada de Pulpo
Octopus Salad
A refreshing cold salad featuring tender cooked octopus, diced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, fresh lime j…
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
Higadillas de Pollo Encebolladas (Keto)
Chicken Livers with Sautéed Onions (Keto Style)
Chicken livers sautéed until tender with abundant sliced white onions, often including bell peppers and a dash…
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein45 fat580 kcal
Patitas de Cerdo Encebolladas
Braised Pork Feet with Onions
A traditional stewed dish of tender pork feet braised with sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices in…
7 net10 total3 fibre48 protein52 fat680 kcal
Picadillo de Espinacas con Carne (Keto)
Keto Spinach Hash with Beef
A flavorful Costa Rican 'picadillo' (hash) made with ground beef and fresh spinach, sautéed with onions, garli…
7 net13 total6 fibre44 protein58 fat720 kcal
Pinchos de Pollo con Vegetales (Estilo Keto)
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Vegetables (Keto Style)
Skewers of marinated chicken chunks interleaved with chunks of bell peppers and onions, grilled to perfection.…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein30 fat550 kcal
Riñones Encebollados (Estilo Keto)
Kidney Stew with Onions (Keto Style)
Beef or pork kidneys slow-cooked in a savory sauce with plenty of sautéed onions and bell peppers, possibly wi…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein38 fat550 kcal
Salpicón de Res
Minced Beef Salad
A refreshing and flavorful dish made from finely minced cooked beef, mixed with a vibrant dressing of lime jui…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein30 fat550 kcal
Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Costa Rican restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Consomé de Res (1g net carbs), Mollejas de Res a la Plancha (2g net carbs), Orejitas de Cerdo Fritas (2g net carbs), Langosta a la Mantequilla (3g net carbs), Ensalada de Camarones (4g net carbs) and Pulpo al Ajillo (4g net carbs). Of the 475 Costa Rican dishes in this guide, 164 are keto as served.
Is Costa Rican food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Costa Rican food "Navigable" for keto. Keto adaptation requires strict avoidance of staple side dishes and deliberate ordering.
What Costa Rican dishes should I avoid on keto?
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous rice, beans, plantains, and starchy root vegetables, often served as default sides or thickeners in stews. Dishes to skip include Pinchos de Res (17g), Rondon de Pescado y Mariscos (16g) and Mariscada con Salsa Caribeña de Coco (17g).
How do I order Costa Rican food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Pavo Asado: request plain roasted turkey without any bread-based stuffing or sugary glazes. Ensure no sweet sauces or fruit-based reductions are served alongside. For Pescado Frito: crucially, request *no* breading or flour coating. Ensure no rice, beans, plantains, or yuca are served alongside.