Carne en Salsa (Estilo Keto)
Beef in Rich Sauce (Keto Style)
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice, beans, or plantains. About 11g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Costa Rican food, so watch the portion.
What it is
Tender pieces of beef, slow-cooked until incredibly soft, bathed in a flavorful, thick (but flour-free) sauce. The sauce is typically made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and Costa Rican spices. Served without rice or beans, accompanied by a side of sautéed or steamed low-carb vegetables like sautéed zucchini or a fresh green salad.
Key ingredients
Beef stew meat, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, cooking oil, beef broth, annatto (achiote) for color, cumin, salt, pepper. Served with a side of low-carb vegetables or green salad.
How to make it keto
Request no rice, beans, or plantains. Ensure the sauce is not thickened with flour or sweetened. Ask for extra low-carb vegetables instead of starchy sides.
Say this to the waiter (Spanish)
Por favor, la Carne en Salsa sin arroz, frijoles ni plátanos. ¿La salsa no lleva harina ni azúcar? ¿Podría ponerle verduras bajas en carbohidratos extra?
Please serve the Carne en Salsa without rice, beans, or plantains. Confirm the sauce has no flour or added sugar. May I have extra low-carb vegetables?
Watch out for
Flour or cornstarch used to thicken the sauce, hidden sugars in the tomato base, accidental starchy sides.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Costa Rican menuAll 475 Costa Rican dishes ›
