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How to Prepare & Cook Nopales

Nopales, or cactus paddles, are an authentic (and delicious!) Mexican ingredient, but they can be somewhat intimidating – they are prickly cacti, after all! Not to worry, though. This "How To" guide will make you a pro!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 1 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Salad , Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 4 whole nopales cactus paddles
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions

How to Prepare Nopales for Cooking or Eating Raw
    Cup of Yum
  1. Remove any spines on the nopales by running a sharp paring knife against the grain of the spines.
  2. Cut away the outer edge and then slice off the base of the nopal.
  3. You can now eat the nopales raw, or choose your favorite cooking method.
Cooking Option 1: How to Grill Nopales
  1. Slice and score the nopales, keeping base intact.
  2. Generously sprinkle nopales with salt.
  3. Cook nopales on a griddle pan or grill on medium-high for 4-5 minutes per side. Feel free to cook longer if you do not want to see any baba
Cooking Option 2: How to Boil Nopales
  1. Chop or slice the cactus paddles into bite-size pieces or strips.
  2. Place in a medium pot with salt, and fill with water until all the cactus paddles are covered.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 10-15 minutes, once the nopales have changed color they are good to go.
  4. Drain and, if you wish, rinse them in cold water.
  5. Eat plain or saute in olive oil. (See post above for nopales recipes.)

Notes

  • I often buy nopales at a local Latin grocery store. Fresh and spineless nopales can even be purchased online! If you want the health benefits but don’t want to take the time to prep and cook nopales, you also reach for jarred nopales.
  • I often buy nopales at a local Latin grocery store. Fresh and spineless nopales can even be purchased
  • online
  • ! If you want the
  • health benefits
  • but don’t want to take the time to prep and cook nopales, you also reach for
  • jarred nopales
  • .
  • How to pick good nopales at the store:
  • Picking good, fresh nopales is pretty easy. You want paddles that are bright green and flexible, but not floppy. The skin should not have any wrinkles, as this can indicate the cactus has been on the shelf for too long.
  • Picking good, fresh nopales is pretty easy. You want paddles that are bright green and flexible, but not floppy. The skin should not have any wrinkles, as this can indicate the cactus has been on the shelf for too long.
  • As a general rule, opt for paddles that are about the size of your hand or smaller. They should be less than eight inches in length (about the length of the tip of your pinky to the tip of your thumb with an outstretched hand). If you reach for larger nopales, you run the risk of getting a stringy and tough piece.
  • As a general rule, opt for paddles that are about the size of your hand or smaller. They should be less than eight inches in length (about the length of the tip of your pinky to the tip of your thumb with an outstretched hand). If you reach for larger nopales, you run the risk of getting a stringy and tough piece.
  • Peak cactus season is from spring to late fall. They are not only likely to be fresher and tastier during this time, but also cheaper to boot!
  • Peak cactus season is from spring to late fall. They are not only likely to be fresher and tastier during this time, but also cheaper to boot!
  • Recipes Using Nopales:
  • Recipes Using Nopales:
  • Nopales con Huevo
  • Nopales a la Mexicana
  • Tortitas de Camarón con Nopales (Mexican Dried Shrimp Patties)
  • Huevo con Nopales en Chile Colorado
  • Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Smoothie)
  • Nopal (Cactus) Quesadillas

Nutrition Information

Serving 4g Calories 1kcal (0%) Carbohydrates 0.1g (0%) Protein 0.1g (0%) Sodium 6977mg (291%) Potassium 12mg (0%) Fiber 0.1g (0%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Vitamin A 18IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.4mg (0%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1

% Daily Value*

Serving 4g
Calories 1kcal 0%
Carbohydrates 0.1g 0%
Protein 0.1g 0%
Sodium 6977mg 291%
Potassium 12mg 0%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Vitamin A 18IU 0%
Vitamin C 0.4mg 0%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

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