How to Make the Perfect Easy Gallo Pinto
Latin American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
This easy gallo pinto is a classic Central American kid friendly recipe that turns leftover rice and beans into a hearty and delicious breakfast or dinner. Kids love the savory flavor and parents love how quick and affordable this meal is to make.
Why this recipe works
This Easy Gallo Pinto recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 whole small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Beans
Stir in the drained black beans and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 3 minutes letting the beans absorb all the flavors.
Step 3: Fold in the Rice
Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together over medium heat for 5 minutes until well combined and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve gallo pinto with fried eggs and sliced avocado for a complete kid friendly breakfast or dinner plate.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black beans → pinto beans for a slightly creamier texture
- Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce for a similar umami depth of flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using freshly cooked hot rice makes the dish mushy so use day-old rice for best results
- Skipping the Worcestershire sauce removes the signature depth of flavor from the dish
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 12g protein, 54g carbs, 6g fat, 8g fiber.
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