Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus Paddles)
Tender cactus paddles brushed with citrus marinade and charred, served with pico de gallo as a side or in tacos.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Carne asada marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.88 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse the nopales under cold water for 2 minutes to remove the brine and slime, then pat very dry.
- 2
Mix the nopales with your ready made carne asada marinade (see the base recipe) and leave for 15 minutes.
15 min - 3
Heat the oil in a frying pan or griddle until very hot. Cook the nopales for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until lightly charred and the liquid has gone.
8 min - 4
Pile onto a plate, top with pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and the queso fresco, and serve with lime.
Tips
- Pat the nopales really dry or they stay slimy and will not char.
- Fresh cactus paddles work too: trim the spines, cut into strips and boil for 10 minutes first.
- Leave off the cheese to make this vegan.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Eat cold in salads or reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Where can I buy nopales in the UK?
Look for jars or tins of nopalitos in the world foods aisle, Mexican specialist shops and online. Rinse them well before cooking, as they are packed in brine.
What do nopales taste like?
They taste mildly tart and green, a little like green beans or okra. Grilling gives a smoky edge and reduces the slippery texture.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.