Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Bring a bold and vibrant twist to your next grilling session with this flavorful recipe for Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro! Earthy cactus paddles, or nopales, are transformed into a smoky, tender delight after being brushed with a savory garlic and olive oil marinade and perfectly charred on the grill. Finished with a bright burst of fresh lime juice and fragrant cilantro, this dish offers a unique balance of tangy, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy flavors. Perfect as a side dish, taco filling, or a stand-alone vegan-friendly star, this quick and easy recipe—ready in just 25 minutes—celebrates the versatile beauty of nopales with every delicious bite. Ideal for BBQ season or anyone looking to explore creative and healthy plant-based recipes, this grilled cactus dish is sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Ingredients
- 4 cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Start by carefully cleaning the cactus paddles: using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove any spines from the paddles. Trim the edges and peel off any browned areas.
Step 2
Rinse the paddles thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining spines and residue. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of each paddle.
Step 5
Once the grill is hot, place the cactus paddles on the grill grates. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have grill marks and are tender. Avoid overcooking, as they can become slimy.
Step 6
While the cactus is grilling, finely chop the cilantro and slice the lime into wedges.
Step 7
Remove the cactus paddles from the grill and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 8
Cut the grilled cactus paddles into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.
Step 9
Transfer the grilled cactus to a serving dish, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top, and squeeze fresh lime juice generously.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (505.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350.2 |
| Total Fat 28.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1248.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.0g | |
| Protein 6.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 691.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1156.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories