Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients, and one dish that perfectly embodies these qualities is nopales mexican style. Nopales, also known as cactus paddles, have been a staple in Mexican cooking for centuries, and for good reason. These nutrient-rich and versatile plants can be cooked in a variety of ways, but this recipe will show you how to make a delicious and authentic Mexican-style dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
Main Ingredients: Carne Asada, Boneless Chicken Breast, Shrimp, Nopales
Rudy's Molcajete Mixto is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with juicy nopales, or cactus paddles. The chicken is cooked to perfection in a beer can, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends at your next summer barbecue.
First, you'll need to prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Then, rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin as well. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the nopales by removing the thorns and washing them thoroughly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with onion, garlic, and jalapeno for a few minutes until they are slightly softened.
Next, it's time to prepare the Molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made of volcanic rock. Place the chicken vertically on the Molcajete and fill the hole with your favorite beer. The beer will keep the chicken moist and add a delicious flavor to the dish.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the Molcajete on the grill. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove the chicken from the Molcajete and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sautéed nopales.
Return the chicken and nopales mixture to the Molcajete and top it with your favorite salsa, avocado slices, and queso fresco. Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy your delicious Rudy's Molcajete Mixto.
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Agua de Piña con Nopal (Pineapple and Cactus Drink)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Nopal, Pineapple, Granny Smith Apple
In Mexico, it's common to see street vendors selling refreshing Agua Fresca, or fresh fruit drinks, on hot summer days. One of the most popular flavors is Agua de Piña con Nopal, a sweet and tangy drink made with pineapple and cactus. It's surprisingly easy to make at home and is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
To make this delicious drink, you'll need pineapple, nopales, water, and sugar. Start by blending the pineapple and nopales with a cup of water until they are well combined. Then, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds.
In a large pitcher, mix together the juice from the pineapple and nopales, along with the remaining water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that the pineapple adds natural sweetness to the drink.
Chill the Agua de Piña con Nopal in the refrigerator for a few hours or serve immediately over ice. For an extra special touch, you can add a splash of tequila or rum to make it a boozy summer drink. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a piece of cactus fruit or prickly pear for a beautiful and delicious drink.
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Enchiladas Con Nopales
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onions, Garlic, Sour Cream, Nopales
Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe takes them to the next level by adding nopales for a unique and flavorful twist. These Enchiladas Con Nopales are perfect for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion.
To make these enchiladas, you'll need corn tortillas, chicken, nopales, onion, garlic, and green chiles. You can use leftover chicken or cook it specifically for this dish. Start by sautéing the nopales with onion, garlic, and green chiles until they are slightly softened.
Next, prepare the chicken by shredding it and mixing it with the sautéed nopales. Dip each tortilla in a simple enchilada sauce, made with canned tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Then, fill each tortilla with the chicken and nopales mixture and roll them up. Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and top with more enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
Bake the enchiladas in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. These Enchiladas Con Nopales are sure to become a family favorite.
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Stewed Nopales (Cactus Paddles)
Main Ingredients: Nopales, Baking Soda, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Arbol
If you're new to cooking with nopales, this Stewed Nopales recipe is a great place to start. It's a simple and delicious way to prepare cactus paddles and can be served as a side dish or added to tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
To make this dish, you'll need nopales, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth. Start by removing the thorns from the nopales and washing them thoroughly. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened.
Add chopped tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth to the pan and let the nopales simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. It's a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
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Nopales en Blanco
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Nopal, Green Onions, Chile Pepper, Green
Nopales en Blanco is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the natural flavor of nopales. It's a great side dish to any meal or can be served as a refreshing salad.
To make this dish, you'll need nopales, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. Start by sautéing the nopales with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened. Then, add chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice for a fresh and tangy flavor.
You can serve this dish warm or cold, depending on your preference. It's a great way to introduce nopales to those who have never tried them before and is a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue.
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Nopales/Chopped Prickly Pear Pads
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Nopales, Onion, Tomato, Salt, Ground
Prickly pear cactus, also known as cactus paddles or nopales, is a staple in Mexican cuisine. These cactus paddles are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, tacos, and soups.
To prepare nopales, you'll need to remove the thorns and wash them thoroughly. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with your choice of seasonings, such as garlic, onion, and chili powder. You can also add them to your favorite soup or stew for added flavor and texture.
Nopales are a great source of fiber and are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy chopped prickly pear pads.
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Steamed Nopales
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Garlic Clove, Green Onion, Nopales, Salt
If you're looking for a simple and healthy way to prepare nopales, steaming is the way to go. Steamed nopales are a great addition to any meal and can be served as a side dish or added to salads or tacos.
To steam nopales, you'll need nopales, water, and a steamer basket. Start by removing the thorns and washing the nopales thoroughly. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
You can season the steamed nopales with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for a simple and delicious side dish. You can also add them to your favorite dishes for added nutrients and flavor.
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Pico de Gallo con Nopales
Main Ingredients: Medium Tomatoes, Nopales, Small Onion, Cilantro
Pico de Gallo is a traditional Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. This version adds the unique flavor of nopales, making it a perfect topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
To make this Pico de Gallo, you'll need tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chopped nopales. Start by mixing together the chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Then, add the chopped nopales and mix well.
You can adjust the amount of nopales to your liking, but keep in mind that they add a slightly tangy and crunchy texture to the salsa. Serve with your favorite chips or use it as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
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Tacos de Nopales
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Nopal, Red Onion, Cilantro, Corn Tortillas
Tacos de Nopales are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional tacos. The nopales add a unique flavor and texture to the tacos and are a great way to introduce cactus paddles to those who have never tried them before.
To make these tacos, you'll need nopales, chicken or beef, onion, garlic, and your choice of toppings. Start by sautéing the nopales with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened. Then, add the chicken or beef and cook until fully cooked.
Serve the nopales and meat mixture in warm tortillas and top with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, and cheese. These Tacos de Nopales are a delicious and healthy option for any taco night.
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Nopales Tempura Tacos with Chipotle Vegetables &...
Main Ingredients: Nopales, Garlic, Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Carrot
These Nopales Tempura Tacos with Chipotle Vegetables & Avocado Crema are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. The nopales are coated in a light and crispy tempura batter and served with a spicy chipotle vegetable mixture and a creamy avocado crema.
To make these tacos, you'll need nopales, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, chipotle peppers, and avocado. Start by making the tempura batter by mixing together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and water until smooth. Then, dip the nopales in the batter and fry until golden brown and crispy.
For the chipotle vegetable mixture, sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and chipotle peppers until they are soft and fragrant. Serve the tempura nopales in warm tortillas and top with the chipotle vegetable mixture and a drizzle of avocado crema. These tacos are a delicious and unique way to enjoy nopales.
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Nopales in Guajillo Chile Sauce
Main Ingredients: Nopale, Olive Oil, Guajillo Chiles, Boiling Water, Roma
This recipe for Nopales in Guajillo Chile Sauce is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy cactus paddles. The guajillo chile sauce adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the nopales, making them the star of the dish.
To make this dish, you'll need nopales, guajillo chiles, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Start by rehydrating the guajillo chiles in hot water for a few minutes. Then, blend the chiles with onion, garlic, and chicken broth until smooth.
Sauté the nopales with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened. Then, add the guajillo chile sauce and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the nopales are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve as a side dish or as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
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Queso Fundido de Chorizo con Nopales
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Mexican Chorizo, Medium Onion, Banana
Queso Fundido, or melted cheese, is a popular appetizer in Mexican cuisine. This version adds the unique flavor of nopales and spicy chorizo for a delicious and indulgent dish that is sure to be a hit at any party.
To make this queso fundido, you'll need chorizo, nopales, onion, garlic, and cheese. Start by sautéing the chorizo with onion and garlic until it is fully cooked. Then, add the chopped nopales and cook until they are slightly softened.
Transfer the chorizo and nopales mixture to a cast-iron skillet and top with shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with warm tortillas or chips for dipping.
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Salsa Verde Ground Beef Tacos w/ Corn & Nopales
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Medium White Onion, Garlic Cloves
These Salsa Verde Ground Beef Tacos with Corn & Nopales are a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option. The salsa verde adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the ground beef, while the corn and nopales add a unique and delicious twist.
To make these tacos, you'll need ground beef, corn, nopales, onion, garlic, and salsa verde. Start by sautéing the ground beef with onion and garlic until it is fully cooked. Then, add the corn and nopales and cook until they are slightly softened.
Add the salsa verde to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes until all the flavors are well combined. Serve the ground beef mixture in warm tortillas and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
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Nopales, Black Bean, and Potato Rolled Tacos with...
Main Ingredients: Nopales, Black Beans, Red Potatoes, Yellow Squash
These Nopales, Black Bean, and Potato Rolled Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delicious and unique twist on traditional rolled tacos. The nopales add a tangy and slightly crunchy texture, while the black beans and potatoes add heartiness and flavor.
To make these tacos, you'll need nopales, black beans, potatoes, onion, garlic, and avocado. Start by sautéing the nopales with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened. Then, add the black beans and potatoes and cook until the potatoes are fully cooked and the black beans are heated through.
Serve the nopales, black bean, and potato mixture in warm tortillas and top with a delicious avocado salsa made with avocado, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. These rolled tacos are a great option for a vegetarian meal or a tasty appetizer.
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Pollo con Nopales (Chicken and Cactus)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, Tomatillos
Pollo con Nopales, or chicken and cactus, is a popular dish in Mexico that combines tender chicken with the unique flavor of nopales. It's a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
To make this dish, you'll need chicken, nopales, onion, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Start by sautéing the nopales with onion and garlic until they are slightly softened. Then, add the chicken and cook until it is fully cooked and the nopales are tender.
You can season this dish with your favorite spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Serve with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings, such as salsa, avocado, and cheese.
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Grilled Cactus-Nopales / Nopales Asados a la Plancha
Main Ingredients: Nopales, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Pepper, Cheese
The Versatility of Nopales
Nopales are not only delicious, but they are also incredibly nutritious. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any diet. The cactus paddles have a slightly tangy and citrusy flavor, which pairs well with a variety of ingredients. They can be grilled, boiled, or even eaten raw in salads. But in this recipe, we will be cooking them in a traditional Mexican style, which brings out their unique flavors and textures.
Preparing the Nopales
Before we dive into the recipe, it is essential to know how to prepare nopales properly. The first step is to remove the spines and thorns from the cactus paddles carefully. You can do this by using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Once the spines are removed, rinse the nopales under cold water to remove any remaining debris. Then, cut the paddles into small strips or cubes, depending on your preference.
Making the Recipe
Now that your nopales are prepped, it's time to start cooking. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and add chopped onion and garlic. Once they are translucent, add the nopales and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Let everything cook together for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Finally, top it off with some crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Nopales mexican style can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to tacos or burritos, or even top it on a salad. It pairs well with other traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas or chicken mole. And for a more filling meal, you can add some protein like diced chicken or ground beef to the dish. The options are endless, and you can get creative to make it your own.
In Conclusion
Nopales mexican style is a simple yet delicious dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. It's a great way to introduce cactus paddles into your diet and experience the unique tastes of Mexican cuisine. So why not give this recipe a try and add some Mexican flair to your next meal? Your taste buds will thank you.
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