Cactus Mexican Style

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this "Cactus Mexican Style" recipe, a delicious and healthy dish that highlights the unique texture and taste of fresh nopales (cactus paddles). Tender and slightly tangy cactus is simmered to perfection, then sautéed with juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice from jalapeño or serrano peppers. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a flavorful side or a zesty filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this authentic recipe is a must-try for fans of Mexican cuisine looking to explore the bold, earthy flavors of nopales.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh cactus paddles (nopales), cleaned and diced
• 2 large Tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pepper Jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Clean the cactus paddles by trimming the edges and removing the spines with a small knife. Rinse under cold water to ensure all spines are removed.

Step 2

Dice the cleaned cactus paddles into small cubes.

Step 3

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the diced cactus, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a dash of vinegar (optional, to reduce the slime). Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cactus is tender.

Step 4

Drain the cooked cactus and rinse under cold water to remove any remaining slime. Set aside.

Step 5

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 7

Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to break down and form a sauce.

Step 9

Stir in the cooked cactus paddles, season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1990.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	457.6

Total Fat 29.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2514.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 44.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 20.2g
Protein 11.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 957.1mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 2389.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 36.5%