Nopales en Chile Colorado (Cactus Paddles in Red Chilli Sauce)
Tender strips of cactus simmered with tomato and onion in red chilli sauce, a classic Mexican home dish that is also vegan.
Made with Chile colorado sauce and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.50 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 jarred nopales under running water for a full minute to remove the brine and any slime. Drain well and pat dry.
- 2
Heat the oil in a wide pan over a medium heat and cook the onion for 4 minutes.
4 min - 3
Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, then add the nopales and stir for 3 minutes.
6 min - 4
Pour in your ready made chile colorado sauce (see the base recipe) and simmer for 8 minutes until thick.
8 min - 5
Warm your corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 20 seconds a side. Serve the nopales with the tortillas, avocado, coriander and lime.
Tips
- Rinse jarred nopales thoroughly. Brine and mucilage can make the dish slimy.
- Fresh nopales can be used: scrape off spines, dice and boil for 10 minutes before using.
- Add a squeeze of lime at the end. The acidity balances the earthy cactus.
Storing and freezing
Cool and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months in portions. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What do nopales taste like?
Mildly tart and a little like green beans or okra, with a soft texture. They take on the flavour of the sauce.
Where can I buy nopales?
Look for jars of nopalitos in world food aisles, Latin American shops and online. Fresh paddles are rare in the UK.
Can I add egg?
Yes, scramble in 4 eggs at the end for a classic breakfast version. The dish is then vegetarian rather than vegan.
More made with chile colorado sauce
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.