Costa Rica’s Most Flavorful Seafood Dishes

Imagine sitting by the ocean, feeling the breeze, and enjoying authentic Costa Rican dishes made from the catch of the day—it can’t be any better than that. 

Seafood in Costa Rica is all about intense flavors and fresh ingredients. Every dish is mouth-watering, from tangy lime-marinated ceviche to creamy coconut seafood stews. Costa Rican meals blend native traditions with influences from Spain, the Caribbean, and many other places, creating exciting and delicious meals. 

Whether you are interested in some traditional Costa Rica seafood recipes, the best seafood restaurants in Costa Rica, or the most popular dishes to try, this article is the one-stop shop. 

With a mix of Caribbean seafood flavors and Pacific specialties, Costa Rican cuisine is not just food; it’s a taste of coastal culture. Let’s take a look at the must-try seafood dishes that make Costa Rica unique.  

Signature Seafood Dishes to Enjoy in Costa Rica 

Costa Rica offers many dishes containing abundant coastal resources. Here are some of the most popular seafood dishes that you must try while you’re vacationing in Costa Rica:  

Ceviche 

Costa Rican ceviche specialties are among the best seafood dishes to try in the tropical paradise of Central America. They are famous for their refreshing, tangy flavors. 

• Description: Costa Rican seafood specialties include ceviche prepared using fresh and juicy fish or other marine animals soaked in tart citrus juices with lime to give the dish an exciting tangy flavor and a delicious freshness. Notable variations include a variety of cepes, shrimp, and octopus mixed.  

• Cultural Importance: Ceviche is the most popular snack or light course. It is included in the menus of many famous restaurants and is offered mainly as a regular meal by several kitchens on the coasts. 

Pargo Relleno (Red Snapper Stuffing) 

Pargo Relleno is a traditional Costa Rica seafood recipe combining bold flavors and fresh ingredients.  

• Description: This popular seafood dish involves stuffing red snappers with mixed vegetables and spices and baking or grilling them. 

• Preparation Highlights: The fish is marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to give it a natural flavor. 

• Serving Suggestions: Pargo Relleno is commonly served with rice and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfactory meal. 

Sopa de Mariscos (Seafood Soup) 

Sopa de Mariscos delivers the best fresh seafood in Costa Rica in a comforting, flavorful form. 

• Description: A comforting bowl of Sopa de Mariscos combines a variety of seafood, such as fish, shrimp, clams, and octopus, in an almost rich, flavorful broth. 

• Key Ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and spices create its robust flavor profile. 

• Regional Variations: On the Caribbean side, coconut milk adds creamy tropical twists when blended with Caribbean flavors, especially while preparing seafood in Costa Rica. 

Camarones al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) 

For the garlic enthusiast, Camarones al Ajillo is a delicious yet simple seafood dish. 

• Description: Shrimp sautéed in a savory sauce flavored with garlic-infused butter or olive oil. 

• Flavor Profile: Rich and savory with a flavor profile that is both simple and satisfying because of garlic and butter. 

• Common Accompaniments: This is usually served with rice, plantains, or crusty bread to complete the meal. 

Mariscada (Seafood Stew) 

Mariscada is a collective dish representing the different types of must-try seafood in Costa Rica. 

• Description: Mariscada is a hearty stew made with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish in a flavored broth. 

• Ingredients: The preparation typically includes vegetables and spices to make it rich in taste. 

• Serving Context: This is one of the most common seafood dishes in Costa Rica, consumed by many in coastal towns. 

Seafood in Traditional Costa Rica Dishes 

Traditional Costa Rican foods include seafood naturally. Thus, seafood is a common addition to everyday food.  

Casado with Fish  

Casado is a staple dish that summarizes the history of food in Costa Rica. 

• Description: Casado is a traditional Costa Rican supper favorite. It is served with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and grilled or fried fish.  

• Specialty: It is one of the best seafood dishes in Costa Rica —well-balanced, filling, and satisfactory. 

Arroz con Mariscos (Rice with Seafood) 

Arroz con Mariscos is a delicious rice dish paying homage to the traditional recipes of Costa Rica seafood dishes. 

• Description: It is popularly known as Spanish paella. It constitutes rice cooked and mixed together with various seafood, vegetables, and spices. 

• Flavor Notes: Unlike paella, it utilizes local ingredients to display traditional Costa Rican seafood recipes. 

Popular Street Food and Snacks in Costa Rica 

Costa Rica’s street food scene is vibrant, with seafood snacks perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.  

Fish Tacos 

Fish tacos are considered a favorite of the Ticos and tourists because of their filling stuffing and fresh flavors. 

• Description: Soft tortillas stuffed with seasoned, grilled, or fried fish, topped with fresh salsa and cabbage, create a perfect quick bite. 

• Popularity: Available at street food markets and coastal towns, these are considered among the popular seafood dishes in Costa Rica. 

Chifrijo with Seafood 

Chifrijo gets a coastal twist as a unique dish due to the use of fresh seafood.   

• Description: It is one of the layered Costa Rican dishes traditionally prepared with pork, but shrimp give this dish a new dimension. It has rice, beans, and pico de gallo.  

• How to Serve: Chifrijo is served in a bowl with tortilla chips, a very convenient and versatile snack from the hub of delicious seafood cuisine that Costa Rica offers.   

Conclusion 

The seafood cuisine in Costa Rica is truly a feast along the coast. From refreshing ceviche to hearty seafood stews, every dish has its own unique taste, blending rich culinary traditions of the country. 

Whether dining at popular seafood restaurants in Costa Rica or enjoying these dishes locally, a culinary journey worth taking while in this tropical heaven would be to explore the most popular seafood dishes.  Costa Rican restaurants abroad.