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.
153 matching dishes · page 1 of 3
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
KAsoon
Lomo de Res a la Plancha
Grilled Beef Loin Steak (Keto)
A classic cut of beef loin steak, cooked simply on a hot griddle or flat-top grill ('a la plancha') to your pr…
0 net0 total0 fibre70 protein40 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrón de Cuero Crujiente
Crispy Pork Rinds (Keto)
Crispy, deep-fried pork skin, a popular snack in Costa Rica. This version is simply seasoned and served plain,…
1 net1 total0 fibre55 protein45 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Pargo Entero a la Brasa con Aceite de Oliva y Hierbas
Whole Snapper Grilled over Coals with Olive Oil & Herbs
A whole red snapper, expertly grilled over an open flame (a la brasa) to achieve a smoky flavor and crispy ski…
1 net2 total1 fibre75 protein40 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Pechuga de Pollo Asada con Hierbas
Grilled Chicken Breast with Herbs (Keto)
A lean chicken breast, seasoned simply with a blend of dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary), gar…
1 net1 total0 fibre60 protein20 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Sardinas Frescas a la Plancha con Limón
Grilled Fresh Sardines with Lemon
Whole fresh sardines, simply grilled until slightly charred and tender, seasoned with salt, and served with ge…
1 net1 total0 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Sesos con Mantequilla y Perejil
Sautéed Brains with Butter and Parsley
Delicately prepared beef or pork brains, gently sautéed in rich butter with fresh parsley and garlic. A tradit…
1 net2 total1 fibre25 protein55 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrón de Chivo
Goat Chicharrón (Crispy Fried Goat Meat)
Crispy fried pieces of goat meat, slow-cooked until tender and then fried to achieve a golden, crunchy exterio…
2 net2 total0 fibre55 protein58 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrones de Papada con Limón
Fried Pork Jowl with Lemon
Crispy fried pork jowl, a succulent and fatty cut of pork, seasoned simply with salt and served with fresh lim…
2 net2 total0 fibre60 protein78 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Consomé de Médula
Keto-Friendly Bone Marrow Broth
A rich, savory broth made from beef bones with bone marrow. Traditionally served as a restorative soup, this k…
2 net4 total2 fibre18 protein30 fat350 kcal
KAsoon
Corazón de Pollo a la Plancha
Grilled Chicken Hearts
Flavorful chicken hearts, marinated lightly and grilled to tender perfection. A popular and protein-rich 'boca…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein30 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Cuajada Fresca con Aguacate
Fresh Curd Cheese with Avocado
A simple and refreshing dish featuring generous slices of soft, fresh, unaged Costa Rican cuajada (a type of c…
2 net5 total3 fibre20 protein35 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Higadillas de Pollo Fritas
Fried Chicken Livers (Keto)
Crispy, deep-fried chicken livers seasoned simply with salt and pepper. A popular and flavorful 'boca' (appeti…
2 net3 total1 fibre50 protein50 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos Fritos con Tocino
Fried Eggs with Bacon (Keto)
A classic Costa Rican breakfast or light meal consisting of perfectly fried eggs (huevo frito, typically with …
2 net2 total0 fibre25 protein42 fat500 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos Tibios con Aguacate (Estilo Keto)
Soft-Boiled Eggs with Avocado (Keto Style)
Two perfectly soft-boiled eggs, naturally rich and satisfying, served simply with generous slices of fresh, ri…
2 net9 total7 fibre14 protein33 fat380 kcal
KAsoon
Pargo Entero Horneado con Mantequilla y Hierbas
Whole Baked Snapper with Butter and Herbs
A whole fresh red snapper, generously seasoned and roasted in the oven, basted with rich butter and aromatic f…
2 net3 total1 fibre70 protein50 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Pescado Entero al Vapor con Mantequilla y Hierbas (Estilo Keto)
Steamed Whole Fish with Butter and Herbs (Keto Style)
A whole fresh fish, gently steamed to perfection, seasoned with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, maintaining i…
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein48 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Tripas a la Parrilla con Limón
Grilled Tripe with Lemon
Crispy and tender beef tripe, simply grilled or pan-seared until golden brown, served hot with fresh lemon wed…
2 net2 total0 fibre30 protein28 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Bistec con Huevos Revueltos y Aguacate (Keto)
Keto Steak with Scrambled Eggs and Avocado
A pan-seared or grilled beef steak (bistec) served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh sliced avocado, o…
3 net8 total5 fibre60 protein50 fat720 kcal
KAsoon
Boca de Pezuña
Pork Hocks in Vinaigrette (Appetizer)
Tender pork hocks (feet) slow-cooked until soft, then marinated and served cold in a tangy vinaigrette with th…
3 net4 total1 fibre40 protein55 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Calamares Fritos (Sin Rebozado)
Fried Calamari (Unbreaded)
Fresh calamari rings and tentacles, seasoned simply and deep-fried to a golden crisp without any flour or brea…
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein45 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Camarones al Pil Pil
Garlic Chili Shrimp (Keto Pil Pil Style)
Succulent shrimp sizzling in a generous amount of olive oil infused with thinly sliced garlic and a touch of d…
3 net3 total0 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrones de Pollo (Estilo Keto)
Crispy Fried Chicken Chunks (Keto Style)
Crispy, succulent pieces of chicken, deep-fried until golden brown, typically seasoned with garlic, lime, and …
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein48 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Consomé de Pollo con Huevo (Estilo Keto)
Keto Chicken Consommé with Egg
A light yet nourishing clear chicken broth (consommé) served warm, typically with a poached or soft-boiled egg…
3 net4 total1 fibre25 protein25 fat320 kcal
KAsoon
Corazón de Res a la Parrilla
Grilled Beef Heart (Keto)
Tender and flavorful slices of beef heart, seasoned with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, then grilled over an…
3 net3 total0 fibre45 protein25 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Enrollados de Queso con Jamón
Cheese and Ham Rolls
A simple and satisfying 'boca' (snack) or light meal consisting of slices of local white cheese (like Turrialb…
3 net6 total3 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Ensalada de Espinacas con Tocino y Queso Fresco
Spinach Salad with Bacon and Fresh Cheese
A simple yet satisfying salad featuring a generous bed of fresh spinach, topped with crispy pan-fried bacon bi…
3 net6 total3 fibre25 protein40 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
Gallo de Costilla de Cerdo Desmenuzada (Sin Tortilla)
Shredded Pork Rib Meat "Gallo" (No Tortilla - Keto Style)
A flavorful 'gallo' (small portion often served in a tortilla) featuring tender, slow-cooked or roasted pork r…
3 net4 total1 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Gallo de Pescado Ahumado (Sin Tortilla)
Smoked Fish Bites (Lettuce Wrapped)
A small portion (gallo) of seasoned, shredded smoked fish, often mixed with a simple pico de gallo (chopped to…
3 net5 total2 fibre35 protein18 fat320 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos al Plato con Tocino y Queso (Estilo Keto)
Sunny-Side Up Eggs with Bacon and Cheese (Keto Style)
Classic sunny-side up eggs, pan-fried to your liking, served with crispy bacon slices and melted cheese. A pop…
3 net3 total0 fibre30 protein54 fat620 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos Estrellados con Chorizo y Aguacate (Estilo Keto)
Fried Eggs with Chorizo and Avocado (Keto Style)
A hearty and satisfying keto breakfast or meal, featuring two or three perfectly fried eggs (huevos estrellado…
3 net7 total4 fibre35 protein60 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos Rellenos con Atún
Deviled Eggs with Tuna Filling
Hard-boiled eggs cut in half, with the yolks removed and mixed with canned tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, and seas…
3 net3 total0 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Mollejas de Cerdo al Ajillo con Espárragos Asados
Pork Sweetbreads with Garlic and Roasted Asparagus
Tender pork sweetbreads sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, served alongside lightly roasted asparagus spears…
3 net6 total3 fibre35 protein50 fat600 kcal