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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus)

    Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus)

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted August 13, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Nopales Asados (or Grilled Cactus) make a delicious and healthy side dish. The yummy, smokey flavor is something to savor! Serve as is or put it into a salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard cookout.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Carne asada, grilled cactus and spring onions on a decorative clay plate.

    Carne asada, grilled cactus and spring onions on a decorative clay plate.

    Nopales Asados (or Grilled Cactus) … Mmm!

    There’s always someone who is on a diet. You know, that one person who can’t eat anything at the BBQ.

    This is an easy side dish that everyone can eat. Not only that, but when grilled, the cactus pick up a yummy, smokey flavor that is DELICIOUS!

    Serve as is or put it into a salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard cookout.

    More Cactus Recipes:

    Ensalada de Nopales
    Nopales con Huevos
    Pork Chile Colorado with Nopales
    Licuado de Nopal

    A collage showing how to clean and remove the thorns from cactus paddles.

    How to Remove the Thorns:

    • Hold by the end of the cactus and bend.
    • Remove the thorns using a knife. Repeat this on the opposite side.
    • Cut around the cactus and cut off the tough end.

    Cactus paddles are also sold without the thorns. Hallelujah! Make life easier for yourself and buy those!

    This step is for those who can’t find the kind without thorns or maybe are growing them in their backyard. It’s a big pain but relatively easy once you get the hang of it.

    Pro Tip:

    Do this in the sink for easy clean up. It’s ok if when removing the thorn, there is a wedge where the thorn used to be.

    Raw cactus on a decorative clay plate.

    • Wash and rinse the cactus.
    • Pat them dry with a paper towel.

    Check the cactus paddle for any leftover thorns. If you spot one, you can carefully remove with your fingers.

    Once the cactus is cut, it starts releasing slime. Rinse well and cook within days of cutting.

    A cooking brush brushing oil on cactus paddles.

    • Brush oil on both sides of the cactus.

    Any oil is fine – corn oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil.

    Grilling is one way, but you can also saute in a skillet.

    Hand holding a salt bottle over the raw cactus paddles.

    • Sprinkle with salt.

    You can also use garlic salt or a combination of salt and garlic powder.

    Please note that salt is optional and can be added once cooked.

    If adding to a salad, you can skip this step and add salt to the dressing.

    Cactus paddles grilling on the grill next to spring onions.

    • Heat grill.
    • Place the nopales on the grill.

    Don’t go far. This will only take a few minutes before turning.

    For the Grill Master: By placing the nopales on the top rack of the grill, they will require more time.

    More Mexican Grilled Side Dishes:

    Cebollitas Asadas
    Chiles Toreados
    Elote Mexicano

    Cactus and spring onions grilling on a grill.

    • Turn the nopales.
    • Grill for 5 more minutes.

    Remove them from the grill. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

    Great Idea:

    Add cheese like Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, or Mozzarella 2 minutes before removing from the grill. The melted cheese is something to savor and enjoy!

    Grilled cactus on a decorative clay Mexican plate.

    How Long Do They Last?

    Once cooked, wrap them up in plastic wrap and place in the fridge. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

    Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus) is a delicious and easy side dish. Ready in minutes and sure to please everyone at your next BBQ.

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Carne asada, grilled cactus and spring onions on a decorative clay plate.

    Nopales Asados

    Nopales Asados (or Grilled Cactus) make a delicious and healthy side dish. The yummy, smokey flavor is something to savor! Serve as is or put it into a salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard cookout.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 4 cactus paddles (thorns removed)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp salt

    Instructions

    • Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
    • Meanwhile rinse and pat dry the cactus paddles.
    • Brush with the olive oil on both sides.
    • Sprinkle with salt on both sides.
    • Place on the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Turn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • If using the top rack of the grill, the cactus will need more time to cook.

    Notes

    If you purchase cactus paddles with thorns, remove the thorns in the sink for easy clean up. It’s ok if when removing the thorn, there is a wedge where the thorn used to be.
    Great Idea: Sprinkle with garlic salt or a combination of salt and garlic for additional flavor. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 291mg | Sugar: 1g
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Side Dishes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tammy

      August 13, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of eating cooked cactus before. Something I must try. Love trying new recipes.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:29 pm

        Great. It’s a really yummy dish, hope you try it

        Reply
    2. Gervin Khan

      August 14, 2020 at 1:29 am

      I didn’t know cactuses are edible? Whoa, I have to try this one.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:28 pm

        They are edible and so yummy. Hope you try it!

        Reply
      • Angela

        May 27, 2022 at 9:55 am

        They’re not only edible they help control your blood sugar so they’re really good for you if you’re diabetic.

        Reply
        • Maggie Unzueta

          August 3, 2022 at 8:54 am

          Yes! It’s great for diabetics.

    3. GiGi Eats

      August 14, 2020 at 4:12 am

      OKAY this is something I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT to eat – EVER!!! But now I am super curious to try it out!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:28 pm

        You will love it! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Van Haitsma

      August 14, 2020 at 4:26 am

      I’ve never eaten cactus, but I am intrigued! Thanks for another delicious looking recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    5. Heather

      August 14, 2020 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      When I go my favorite Mexican restaurant I always get Molcajete which includes cactus and I love it! Can’t wait to try your recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        That’s awesome. It’s a really yummy dish, hope you try it

        Reply
    6. Catalina

      August 14, 2020 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      Sounds so good. I am so curious to try this grilled cactus!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:19 pm

        This recipe is delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    7. Sara LaFountain

      August 14, 2020 at 6:08 pm

      I have never tried to grill cactus but we are definitely going to try it. My sons are very adventurous eaters and next time we grill I am going to grill some cactus. Thanks for sharing this interesting recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:40 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Molly

      August 14, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      I have honestly never heard of grilling cactus, but I’m so interested! What a unique side dish–and probably a fun way to surprise dinner guests who have never heard about it, too. Definitely a must try!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:39 am

        It’s delicious and unique, It’s pretty common in Mexico. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    9. Kita Bryant

      August 14, 2020 at 10:24 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a curious dish. I have always thought cactus would be fun to try!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:37 am

        It’s fun and delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    10. Mary v caballero

      June 14, 2022 at 7:57 am

      I love Nopales we were raise with great food parents were farmers love it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 14, 2022 at 10:30 am

        My grandfather had a large ranch. I loved seeing him with his trees. So much pride and love went into the food he grew.

        Reply

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