Lengua Rellena (Relleno Keto)
Stuffed Beef Tongue (Keto Stuffing)
Yes, with a tweak: the stuffing must be explicitly keto (no breadcrumbs, rice, or starchy vegetables). About 10g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Costa Rican food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A unique and traditional dish featuring beef tongue, slow-cooked until tender, then stuffed with a savory keto-friendly filling (e.g., ground meat, vegetables, cheese). Served in a rich, flavorful sauce without starchy sides.
Key ingredients
Beef tongue, ground pork/beef (for stuffing), bell peppers, onions, garlic, celery, cheese (for stuffing), olive oil, beef broth, salt, pepper. Sauce ingredients: tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices.
How to make it keto
The stuffing must be explicitly keto (no breadcrumbs, rice, or starchy vegetables). Ensure the sauce is free of sugar and thickeners.
Watch out for
Standard stuffings are carb-heavy. Restaurant sauces often contain added sugar or starches. Tomatoes in the sauce contribute to carbs.
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 ›
