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How To Cook Nopales (Step-By-Step Guide)

Let's make nopales together! I've eaten my fair share of this edible cactus paddle (it's usually one of the only vegetarian breakfast tacos in South Texas). We're walking you through how to cook nopales with step-by-step photos to help you tackle this intimidating (but delicious) dish.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 17 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 cactus leaves

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim Edge: Using tongs to hold the cactus leaf, lay it on a flat surface and trim off the entire perimeter of the leaf.
  2. Remove Thorns: Turn your knife perpendicular to the cactus leaf and cut off each of the spikes and raised brown bumps, keeping as much of the cactus skin intact as possible.
  3. Rinse: Rinse the leaf well, ensuring there are no more spikes on it.
  4. Slice: Slice the cactus leaf into either strips or cubes.
  5. Boil: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cactus, cover, and let simmer until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Rinse: Strain the cactus from the water and rinse again to remove any sliminess.
  7. Serve: From here you can serve the nopales, or saute them into a number of other dishes, like fajitas, tacos, or with eggs!

Notes

  • Storage: Cook these ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or so. This way, you can add some to any meal.
  • Meal Prep: Go ahead and cook, rinse, and dry these cooked nopales. Then freeze just like you would peppers and onions.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 17kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 3.8g (1%) Protein 1.6g (3%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 23mg (1%) Potassium 226mg (6%) Fiber 2.3g (9%) Sugar 1.3g (3%) Calcium 190mg (19%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 17

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 17kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 3.8g 1%
Protein 1.6g 3%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 23mg 1%
Potassium 226mg 5%
Fiber 2.3g 9%
Sugar 1.3g 3%
Calcium 190mg 19%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.