A traditional Costa Rican dish — Salpicón is a cool, tangy salad of finely shredded beef tossed with onion, sweet pepper, tomato, and culantro in lime juice. It is the Costa Rican way of stretching leftover roast or boiled beef into a fresh, bright meal. Served chilled with tortillas or over rice, it is a favorite on warm days.
Salpicón Costarricense
A traditional Costa Rican dish — Salpicón is a cool, tangy salad of finely shredded beef tossed with onion, sweet pepper, tomato, and culantro in lime juice.
Step by stepInstructions
- Simmer the beef in salted water with a quarter of the onion until very tender, about one hour. Cool, then shred finely with your fingers or two forks.
- Combine the shredded beef with the remaining onion, bell pepper, tomato, and culantro in a bowl.
- Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, lizano-style sauce if using, salt, and pepper into a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and chill for at least thirty minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve cold with warm corn tortillas on the side.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Shred the beef while it is still warm — it pulls apart more easily. Taste before serving and add a pinch more lime if you want it brighter.

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