Costa Rican keto guide
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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.
270 matching dishes · page 1 of 5
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Sopa de Pollo (Keto)
Keto Chicken Soup (No Starchy Vegetables)
A comforting Costa Rican chicken soup, prepared with tender chicken pieces and a clear, flavorful broth. Cruci…
7 net9 total2 fibre45 protein25 fat480 kcal
Tortilla de Huevo con Vegetales (Estilo Keto)
Vegetable Omelet (Keto Style)
A fluffy and satisfying omelet made with fresh eggs and a generous filling of sautéed low-carb vegetables. Com…
7 net12 total5 fibre25 protein40 fat500 kcal
Bacalao a la Vizcaína (Estilo Keto)
Salted Cod Stew (Keto Vizcaina Style)
Desalted cod cooked in a rich, savory stew of fresh or canned tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, simm…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein30 fat500 kcal
Casado con Proteína (Opción Keto)
Keto Casado Plate (Protein with Keto Sides)
A traditional Costa Rican Casado adapted for keto. This plate features a generous portion of grilled or pan-fr…
8 net15 total7 fibre75 protein75 fat1050 kcal
Chorizo a la Criolla con Vegetales (Estilo Keto)
Creole Style Sausage with Vegetables (Keto)
Flavorful Costa Rican pork sausage prepared in a rich, vibrant Creole sauce made from fresh tomatoes, bell pep…
8 net12 total4 fibre40 protein60 fat720 kcal
Chorizo a la Plancha con Vegetales Salteados
Grilled Sausage with Sautéed Vegetables
Authentic Costa Rican pork chorizo sausages, grilled until perfectly browned and slightly crispy. Served with …
8 net12 total4 fibre35 protein60 fat750 kcal
Costillas de Cerdo Asadas
Grilled Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs, often marinated simply and grilled to perfection. A flavorful and hearty meat dish.…
8 net8 total0 fibre80 protein80 fat1100 kcal
Guiso de Pollo con Hongos (Estilo Keto)
Chicken and Mushroom Stew (Keto Style)
Tender pieces of chicken (often thighs or breast) stewed with fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, and bell pepper…
8 net10 total2 fibre50 protein38 fat580 kcal
Hígado a la Plancha con Vegetales Salteados
Grilled Liver with Sautéed Vegetables (Keto Style)
Thin slices of beef liver, seasoned and quickly grilled on a hot griddle ('a la plancha') to tender perfection…
8 net12 total4 fibre50 protein30 fat500 kcal
Morcilla Frita con Cebolla Caramelizada (Estilo Keto)
Fried Blood Sausage with Keto Caramelized Onions
Crispy fried blood sausage, a traditional delicacy, served with sweet and savory slow-cooked onions that are c…
8 net10 total2 fibre35 protein58 fat680 kcal
Pargo Entero Relleno (Estilo Keto)
Whole Stuffed Red Snapper (Keto Style)
A whole red snapper traditionally baked or fried, but for keto, it's typically baked and stuffed with a savory…
8 net12 total4 fibre85 protein65 fat950 kcal
Pechuga de Pollo en Salsa de Champiñones (Estilo Keto)
Chicken Breast in Mushroom Cream Sauce (Keto Style)
Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast topped with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, typically made with sautéed mu…
8 net12 total4 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Pescado en Salsa Caribeña (Estilo Keto)
Caribbean Style Fish in Coconut Sauce with Keto Sides
Fresh fish fillet (such as snapper or mahi-mahi) simmered in a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy coconut milk sau…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein55 fat700 kcal
Pescado Entero al Horno con Vegetales
Whole Baked Fish with Vegetables
A whole fresh fish (commonly Tilapia or Pargo) seasoned with herbs, garlic, and lime, then baked or roasted un…
8 net15 total7 fibre80 protein38 fat780 kcal
Plato de Carnes Asadas
Mixed Grilled Meats Platter
A substantial platter featuring various grilled meats, typically including beef, chicken, and sometimes pork. …
8 net8 total0 fibre100 protein60 fat1000 kcal
Pulpo a la Plancha con Vegetales Salteados
Grilled Octopus with Sautéed Vegetables
Tender grilled octopus tentacles, seasoned and cooked 'a la plancha' (on a griddle), served alongside a genero…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein35 fat520 kcal
Salchichas Encebolladas (Estilo Keto)
Onioned Sausages (Keto Style)
Pan-fried or sautéed frankfurter-style sausages (or local 'salchichón') served with a generous amount of tende…
8 net10 total2 fibre35 protein48 fat600 kcal
Sopa de Albóndigas (Estilo Keto)
Keto Meatball Soup
A comforting and hearty soup featuring ground beef meatballs (prepared without breadcrumbs or rice) simmered i…
8 net12 total4 fibre50 protein30 fat500 kcal
Arroz con Pollo (Keto con Coliflor)
Keto Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
A classic Costa Rican dish re-imagined for keto. Shredded chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, cu…
9 net18 total9 fibre55 protein40 fat700 kcal