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Nopales Recipe recipe photo - Nopales Recipe by Jan

Nopales Recipe

Published: July 9, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 15 minutes Total Time: About 35 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy Category: Side Dish Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh nopales (cactus pads)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onions, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Clean nopales by removing thorns and outer edges
  2. Cut into 1-inch pieces
  3. Rinse well and drain
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  5. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes
  6. Add garlic and jalapeño, cook for 1 minute
  7. Add nopales and season with salt, black pepper, and cumin
  8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender
  9. Add cilantro and lime juice
  10. Toss to combine
  11. Garnish with queso fresco
  12. Serve immediately as a side dish

Special Notes

Nopales are a traditional Mexican vegetable made from cactus pads. They have a slightly tangy, green bean-like flavor and are packed with nutrients. The key is cooking them long enough to remove the slimy texture. You can also grill nopales for a different flavor profile. They're perfect as a side dish with Mexican meals or can be added to tacos, salads, or scrambled eggs. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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