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How to Cook Nopales

Learn how to cook nopales at home! How to choose the best nopales, how clean them by removing the spines, and how to cook them.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 14 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 cactus paddles
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the cactus paddles on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully scrape and slice off the thorns and dark brown bumps on all sides.
  2. Rinse the cactus paddles under running water to remove any dirt and grime.
  3. Dice the cactus paddles into bite-size pieces or slice them into thin strips.
  4. Place in a medium pot with salt, and fill with water until all the cactus paddles are covered.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 more minutes.
  6. Drain the water from the nopales and give them another rinse under warm water to remove any excess slimy liquid.
  7. Eat plain or saute in a little olive oil with your favorite seasonings. (See post above for more ways to use cooked nopales.)

Notes

  • If you've never worked with cactus paddles before, be careful because each pad has little tiny spines and thorns that will easily prick your fingers. I recommend using gloves the first time. Once you get the hang of it, you can try to handle them without gloves.
  • Cooked nopales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 14kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 3506mg (146%) Potassium 222mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 393IU (8%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 143mg (14%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 14

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 14kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 3506mg 146%
Potassium 222mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 393IU 8%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 143mg 14%
Iron 1mg 6%

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