Pescado Entero Frito
Whole Fried Fish
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice, beans, or plantains. About 4g net carbs per serving, lower than 8 in 10 Costa Rican dishes.
What it is
A whole fresh fish, typically Tilapia or Red Snapper, seasoned and deep-fried until crispy. It's a popular coastal dish.
Key ingredients
Whole fish (e.g., Tilapia, Red Snapper), salt, pepper, garlic, lime, cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil, soybean oil for frying).
How to make it keto
Request no rice, beans, or plantains. Ask for a simple side salad with oil and vinegar, or just the fish. Confirm no breading or flour dusting on the fish.
Say this to the waiter (Spanish)
El Pescado Entero Frito, sin arroz, frijoles ni plátanos. ¿Solo el pescado o con ensalada simple de aceite y vinagre? ¿Va sin rebozado?
For the Pescado Entero Frito, no rice, beans, or plantains. Just the fish, or with a simple oil & vinegar salad. Is it breading-free?
Watch out for
Possible flour/cornstarch dusting before frying, sugary marinades (less common for whole fried fish), cross-contamination from shared fryer, always served with high-carb 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 ›
