Costa Rican Casado
The classic Costa Rican plate lunch — rice, beans, sweet fried plantains, fresh cabbage salad, and your protein of choice, all on one comforting plate.
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Total
50 min
Makes
2 plates
Why you'll love this recipe
A casado is the heart of everyday Costa Rican cooking — a balanced, satisfying plate where every component plays its part. It's endlessly adaptable and comes together from simple staples.
Costa Rican Casado
50 min · 2 plates
Ingredients
Servings
2 plates
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups cooked black beans
- 2 ripe plantains (maduros)
- 2 chicken breasts or fillets
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tomato, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season and grill or pan-cook the chicken until juicy and cooked through.
- Slice the ripe plantains and fry until caramelized and golden (maduros).
- Toss the cabbage and tomato with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- Plate the rice and beans side by side, then add the chicken, maduros, and salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
620
Calories
28g
Protein
78g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Frequently asked questions
- What does casado mean?
- Casado means married in Spanish — a nod to the marriage of components (rice, beans, plantain, salad, and protein) together on one plate.
- What proteins are used in a casado?
- Commonly grilled chicken, beef, pork, or fish. It's easily customized to whatever protein you like.
