Gallo Pinto Recipe

Make up this quick and easy authentic Gallo Pinto recipe in just 30 minutes!  Lizano sauce coats black beans, rice, peppers and onions for a flavor explosion. Serve these Costa Rican rice and beans for a fabulous vegetarian dinner or a simple side dish.

Costa Rican Rice and Beans

Costa Rica is one of the most refreshing beach vacations you can take. I’ve loved it since my first trip.

The people are out-of-this-world friendly, the beaches are tranquil, and the food is lick-your-plate-worthy.

Exhibit A: Gallo Pinto – the national dish of Costa Rica…. as well as a few other Central American countries such as Nicaragua!

What is seriously such a simple dish of black beans and rice comes alive when it is tossed in a slightly sweet, but kinda spicy hot sauce, called Lizano, along with a few other spices. 

While some cultural dishes can seem a bit too complex to whip up for a cooking newbie, this easy Gallo pinto recipe is a good place to start.

You cannot really mess it up and it comes together in under 30 minutes when you’re in a time-crunch on busy weeknights or even at a dinner party!

What is Gallo Pinto?

Gallo Pinto is an authentic Costa Rican dish that is served across the country and consists of cooked rice, beans, a few seasonings, and Lizano sauce.

In Spanish Gallo pinto means “spotted rooster” and represents the speckled appearance of the dish, mainly the beans throughout the rice.

Pinto beans were originally used to make this dish, however, black beans are now often found as the ingredient of choice.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make this traditional Costa Rican dish are relatively easy to find and consist of the following:

• Cooked Rice. Day-old rice cooked on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot is best as it does not have quite as much moisture as freshly cooked. Brown or white rice can be used, but white is the traditional ingredient. 
• Beans. While pinto beans are commonly chosen, black beans have become the new staple and are what are used in this recipe. Go for canned beans to keep it simple, just make sure to rinse and drain before cooking! You can also opt for red kidney beans if that’s what you have.
• Lizano Sauce. The star of the show when it comes to where this dish gets its flavor. You can leave this special sauce out, but it won’t have the same traditional taste. Don’t skip the bottle of salsa Lizano, it’s the secret ingredient. You should be able to find it at some local grocery stores, but Amazon is a sure bet.
• Onion. A sweet onion is best in this recipe, but a red or white onion can also be substituted.
• Red Bell Pepper. You can also use a green bell pepper, but the red does give the dish a subtle sweetness and a brilliant color.
• Spices. Cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper help boost the flavor profile.
• Cilantro. This is optional but brings a bite of freshness.

How to Make Gallo Pinto

Here are the simple steps for cooking this simple rice and bean dish at home:  

Cook the Veggies, Rice, and Beans

Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces so every bite has some in there.

Sauté diced onion and bell pepper in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes then add crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 

Add the leftover rice, drained beans, and seasoning ingredients to the skillet. Don’t forget to rinse and drain the beans first.

Add the Sauce and Simmer

Pour the Lizano sauce on top of the beans and other ingredients. Stir well until combined.

Cook for 5-10 minutes, uncovered, over low heat.

You’ll know it’s done when the rice has absorbed most of the sauce.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: Cook the rice, and chop the bell peppers and onions in advance. Store separately until ready to cook. 
• To Store: Gallo pinto stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: It also freezes well if placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 months.
• To Reheat: You can either warm it up in the microwave or add it back to a skillet with a bit of oil. Cook on medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, or until heated through.

Where is Gallo pinto from?

While there is some debate on the exact origin of Gallo pinto, most agree it originates in Costa Rica. However, many Central American countries boast their own version of this rice and beans dip.

Is Gallo pinto healthy?

In general, Gallo pinto is fairly healthy. You can make this dish even better for you with brown rice.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Day old is best. If the rice is cooked the day before it has less moisture which is ideal for this recipe.
• Look for Lizano. This adds an authentic flavor to the dish. So worth it!
• Rinse it well. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans.
• Double the batch. Make extra and freeze for later for an easy dinner!
• Dice them small. Cut the peppers and onions in tiny pieces so you get some in every bite!

What to Serve with Gallo Pinto

This dish can be eaten on its own or served with these other Central American and authentic dishes and drinks.

Instant Pot Barbacoa is the perfect protein for this hearty dish.

Fried plantains are slightly sweet yet savory.

Don’t forget the fresh flavors of Roasted Salsa or Tomatillo Salsa.

Both this Easy Piña Colada and this Cadillac Margarita are cool and refreshing.

Or, top with a fried egg for a breakfast dish.

More Easy Rice Recipes

It’s hard to beat an easy rice recipe that’s also so full of flavor. Try any of these dishes next.

Mediterranean Yellow Rice, Mango Coconut Rice, and Coconut Rice are super simple to whip up.

Go for Cajun Dirty Rice or Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice for some real spice.

You can’t go wrong with Chicken Fried Rice or Shrimp Fried Rice.