Go Back
lizano Sauce Recipe

Homemade Lizano Sauce

Lizano sauce is a beloved Costa Rican condiment known for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. This homemade version allows you to recreate the authentic taste of Lizano at home, perfect for enhancing rice, beans, meats, eggs, and vegetables. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to your taste.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Costa Rican, Latin American
Calories: 20
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • makes about 2 cups
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or molasses
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • Optional: 1 tsp mustard or 1 tsp soy sauce for added depth

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sterilized glass jar or bottle for storage

Method
 

  1. Sauté the vegetables: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the onions, carrots, and garlic until soft, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar/molasses, vinegar, cumin, allspice, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Simmer: Pour in water, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Blend: Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids.
  5. Cool and store: Pour the sauce into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate. The flavor improves after 24–48 hours.
    lizano Sauce Recipe

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness or tanginess: Add more sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
  • Spice variations: Add a small chili or hot sauce for a spicy version.
  • Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.
  • Uses: Great for rice and beans, grilled meats, eggs, soups, stews, and vegetables.
  • lizano Sauce Recipe