Alright friends, listen up, Thanksgiving might be a U.S. thing, but here in Costa Rica? Oh, we’re fully in the game now.

Yup, Día de Acción de Gracias became an official holiday back in 2022, so go ahead and grab that turkey...  or, you know, something a little easier.

Because if you’re not feeding a whole army this year, let me put you on to this tropical turkey breast that’s basically Thanksgiving in chill, mini form.

Same vibes, less stress.

And the pineapple? It’s the secret weapon. That juicy, sweet, tangy magic takes plain turkey and gives it a whole passport stamp.

Ingredients for 4 hungry friends and all easy to find in Costa Rica (no treasure hunt needed) are:

• 500 g fresh turkey breast, sliced into fillets.

• 250 g pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed.

• 1 sprig thyme.

• 1 bay leaf.

• 10 g finely chopped onion.

• 2 tsp oil.

• 3 tbsp brown sugar.

• 15 g grated or finely chopped ginger (optional but highly recommended).

• 1 cup orange juice.

• 1 garlic clove, chopped.

• Salt to taste.

Trust me, this is where the magic starts.

Then, heat a big skillet over medium (about 350°F). Add the oil. Drop in your marinated turkey fillets and let them sizzle for around 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and cooked through.

Move them to a plate and keep them covered so they stay warm and juicy. No dry bird energy here.

Let's make the pineapple sauce that changes lives. New pan, same heat.

Add your pineapple cubes, brown sugar, and ginger. Stir a bit until the pineapple caramelizes and turns golden, like sunshine in a skillet.

Pour in the orange juice. Give it a good mix. Lower the heat to about 250°F and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes until it gets syrupy and irresistible.

Put the turkey back into the skillet with that tropical sauce. Let it all simmer on low (around 250 or 300°F) for 10 minutes so the flavors can officially marry each other.

Taste the sauce; if you love super-sweet pineapple, add more sugar. You’re the boss.

Serve those turkey fillets smothered in all that golden pineapple goodness. Pair it with your Green Bean Casserole from last week and the Classic Stuffing from recipe #1.

Then pour yourself a chilled white wine... or crack open your favorite Costa Rican beer. No judgment, it’s Thanksgiving!

Have a Pura Vida Día de Acción de Gracias!