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.
58 matching dishes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
KAsoon
Muslos de Pollo Asados con Piel Crujiente (Estilo Keto)
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin (Keto Style)
Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, seasoned simply and roasted to perfection, resulting in tender meat and…
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Patitas de Cerdo a la Vinagreta (Estilo Keto)
Keto Pork Feet Vinaigrette
Tender, gelatinous pork feet, boiled until very soft, then cut into pieces and marinated in a tangy vinaigrett…
3 net5 total2 fibre30 protein40 fat500 kcal
KAsoon
Pernil de Cerdo Asado con Piel Crujiente
Slow-Roasted Pork Leg with Crispy Skin
A generous portion of succulent slow-roasted pork leg, known for its tender meat and famously crispy crackling…
3 net3 total0 fibre70 protein68 fat900 kcal
KAsoon
Pescado Frito con Salsa Tártara (Estilo Keto)
Fried Fish with Tartar Sauce (Keto Style)
A crispy, pan-fried or deep-fried fish fillet, prepared without traditional breading, served with a creamy and…
3 net4 total1 fibre40 protein48 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Sardinas Frescas al Mojo de Ajo (Estilo Keto)
Fresh Sardines in Garlic Mojo (Keto)
Fresh, whole sardines (often caught locally in coastal areas) grilled or pan-fried until tender, then generous…
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein55 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Tortilla de Queso con Loroco (Estilo Keto)
Cheese Omelette with Loroco Flower (Keto)
A fluffy, savory omelette prepared with fresh eggs and a generous amount of local cheese, filled with loroco—a…
3 net5 total2 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Cangrejos al Ajillo
Crabs in Garlic Sauce
Fresh whole crabs sautéed in abundant olive oil, butter, garlic, and a touch of white wine or lime juice, seas…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrón de Cerdo con Cebolla Encurtida
Pork Rinds with Pickled Onions (Keto)
Crispy, deep-fried pork rinds (chicharrón de cerdo, typically from pork belly) served with vibrant, tangy pick…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Chicharrón de Pescado (Estilo Keto)
Crispy Fried Fish Bites with Lime and Keto Tartar Sauce
Crispy, bite-sized pieces of white fish, lightly seasoned and fried until golden. Traditionally, this dish mig…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein55 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Costillas de Cerdo al Horno (Keto)
Baked Pork Ribs (Keto Style)
Succulent pork ribs slow-baked in the oven until they are incredibly tender and nearly falling off the bone, s…
4 net6 total2 fibre70 protein65 fat900 kcal
KAsoon
Cuajada Fresca con Aceite de Oliva y Tomate
Fresh Curd Cheese with Olive Oil and Tomato
A simple yet delicious and refreshing appetizer or light meal featuring thick slices of fresh, firm cuajada (a…
4 net6 total2 fibre25 protein35 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Cuajada Fresca con Cebolla y Aceite de Oliva
Fresh Curd Cheese with Onion and Olive Oil
A very simple, rustic, and authentic Costa Rican 'boca' (appetizer) or snack. Fresh, unsalted cuajada (curd ch…
4 net5 total1 fibre25 protein38 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Filete de Corvina a la Plancha con Salsa de Mantequilla y Limón
Grilled Corvina Fillet with Butter and Lemon Sauce
A tender corvina (sea bass) fillet, perfectly grilled or pan-seared, served with a rich, tangy sauce made from…
4 net5 total1 fibre55 protein58 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Higadillas de Pollo al Ajillo (Estilo Keto)
Keto Chicken Livers in Garlic Sauce
Succulent chicken livers sautéed in a rich garlic-infused olive oil sauce with a hint of white wine (optional)…
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein50 fat620 kcal
KAsoon
Paté de Hígado de Pollo (Keto)
Chicken Liver Pâté (Keto)
A rich and creamy chicken liver pâté, seasoned with traditional Costa Rican herbs and spices, typically served…
4 net5 total1 fibre25 protein50 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Queso Palmito a la Plancha
Grilled Heart of Palm with Cheese
Tender slices of heart of palm, lightly seasoned and grilled, then topped with generous amounts of melted whit…
4 net8 total4 fibre25 protein35 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Rellenos de Chicharrón y Queso (Estilo Keto)
Crispy Pork Rind and Cheese Patties (Keto Style)
Savory patties made from finely crushed crispy pork rinds (chicharrones) mixed with local white cheese, a hint…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein65 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Almejas al Ajillo
Clams in Garlic Sauce
Fresh clams cooked in a succulent sauce made with abundant garlic, olive oil, white wine (or broth), and fresh…
5 net6 total1 fibre35 protein50 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Buñuelos de Queso Keto (con Harina de Almendras)
Keto Cheese Fritters (with Almond Flour)
Savory fried cheese fritters (buñuelos) made with almond flour, offering a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy in…
5 net8 total3 fibre25 protein40 fat500 kcal
KAsoon
Chorizo Criollo a la Plancha con Chayote Salteado
Grilled Criollo Sausage with Sautéed Chayote
Authentic Costa Rican pork chorizo criollo, grilled or pan-fried to a flavorful crisp, served alongside tender…
5 net8 total3 fibre35 protein60 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Costillas Ahumadas de Cerdo (Estilo Keto)
Smoked Pork Ribs (Keto, no BBQ Sauce)
Succulent smoked pork ribs, often dry-rubbed with a blend of savory spices and slow-smoked until exceptionally…
5 net6 total1 fibre70 protein75 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Costillas de Res a la Parrilla con Ensalada Verde (Estilo Keto)
Grilled Beef Ribs with Green Salad (Keto Style)
Succulent beef ribs, grilled to perfection, seasoned with traditional Costa Rican spices. This keto presentati…
5 net8 total3 fibre60 protein75 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Cuajada Fresca con Natilla
Fresh Farmer's Cheese with Sour Cream (Keto)
A traditional Costa Rican snack or light meal featuring fresh, unaged farmer's cheese (cuajada) served with a …
5 net5 total0 fibre25 protein38 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Cuajada Frita con Natilla
Fried Curd Cheese with Sour Cream
Fresh curd cheese (cuajada) is sliced and pan-fried until golden and slightly crispy, served hot with a dollop…
5 net5 total0 fibre30 protein45 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Guiso de Espárragos con Tocino
Asparagus and Bacon Sauté
Fresh asparagus sautéed with crispy bacon, garlic, and a touch of onion. This simple yet flavorful dish is a p…
5 net9 total4 fibre22 protein40 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos con Chorizo (Estilo Keto)
Eggs with Costa Rican Sausage (Keto Style)
A hearty breakfast or light meal featuring scrambled eggs mixed with generous chunks of flavorful Costa Rican …
5 net6 total1 fibre35 protein45 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos con Natilla y Chile Panameño (Estilo Keto)
Eggs with Sour Cream and Panamanian Chili (Keto Style)
A very common and simple Costa Rican breakfast or light meal, featuring eggs (usually scrambled or fried) serv…
5 net6 total1 fibre20 protein48 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Huevos Pericos con Chorizo y Aguacate (Estilo Keto)
Keto Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo, Sofrito, and Avocado
Fluffy scrambled eggs mixed with a vibrant 'sofrito' of finely diced bell peppers, onions, and a touch of toma…
5 net10 total5 fibre35 protein55 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Mollejas de Res al Ajillo
Beef Gizzards in Garlic Sauce
Savory beef gizzards, slowly cooked until tender, then sautéed in a pungent garlic and butter sauce, often wit…
5 net5 total0 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Panceta Ahumada a la Plancha con Vegetales Salteados
Grilled Smoked Pork Belly with Sautéed Vegetables
Thick-cut, smoked pork belly grilled to perfection, yielding a crispy exterior and wonderfully tender, fatty i…
5 net8 total3 fibre50 protein80 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Plato de Queso Palmito con Aguacate y Tomate
Palmito Cheese Plate with Avocado and Tomato
A simple, refreshing, and naturally keto appetizer or light meal. Features slices of fresh, mild Palmito chees…
5 net10 total5 fibre30 protein50 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Sardinas Frescas en Salsa Verde con Vegetales Keto
Fresh Sardines in Green Sauce with Keto Vegetables
Fresh sardines cooked in a vibrant green sauce typically made with herbs like cilantro and parsley, garlic, ol…
5 net8 total3 fibre40 protein45 fat600 kcal