Other
cooked nopales.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
cooked prickly pear padscooked cactus padscooked nopalitos
SERVING
CALORIES
16
PROTEIN
1.3g
CARBS
3.3g
FAT
0.10g
FIBER
2.0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories16kcal—
Protein1.3g3%
Carbohydrates3.3g1%
Fiber2.0g7%
Sugar1.1g2%
Total fat0.10g0%
Saturated fat0.03g0%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water94.1g—
MINERALS
Sodium21mg1%
Potassium195mg4%
Calcium164mg13%
Iron0.50mg3%
Magnesium47mg11%
Phosphorus16mg1%
Zinc0.20mg2%
Copper0.08mg9%
Manganese0.40mg17%
Selenium0.70µg1%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A23µg3%
Vitamin C5.2mg6%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0mg0%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.01mg1%
Riboflavin (B2)0.04mg3%
Niacin (B3)0.40mg3%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.15mg3%
Vitamin B60.07mg4%
Folate (B9)3.0µg1%
Vitamin B120µg0%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup150g
1 tablespoon10g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece85g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Helps regulate blood sugar levels due to high soluble fiber content
- ✓Rich in antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress
- ✓High calcium content supports bone health
- ✓Promotes digestive health and regular bowel movements
- ✓Extremely low in calories, making it ideal for weight management
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1To reduce the 'baba' (slimy mucilage), boil them with a piece of onion, garlic, and a few tomatillo husks
- 2Rinse thoroughly with cold water after boiling to remove excess surface slime
- 3Sautéing over high heat after boiling can help firm up the texture and add a charred flavor
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store cooked nopales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture may become softer upon thawing
- Keep them in their cooking liquid or a light brine to maintain moisture
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
How long do cooked nopales last in the fridge?
Cooked nopales will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cooked nopales?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. However, they may lose some of their crispness and become slightly mushier when thawed.
Why are nopales slimy when cooked?
Nopales contain mucilage, a type of soluble fiber that becomes viscous when heated. This is similar to the texture of okra.
How do you get rid of the sliminess?
Rinsing them thoroughly after boiling or cooking them with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lime juice can help reduce the mucilage.
What do cooked nopales taste like?
They have a slightly tart, citrusy flavor with a texture similar to green beans or bell peppers.
What is a good substitute for nopales?
Green beans or okra are the best substitutes, depending on whether you want to match the flavor or the texture.
Are cooked nopales healthy?
Yes, they are very healthy. They are low in calories and high in fiber, calcium, and antioxidants.
How are cooked nopales typically used?
They are commonly used in salads (ensalada de nopales), scrambled with eggs, or added to stews and tacos.
Do I need to peel them before cooking?
The thorns (spines) and small prickles (glochids) must be removed before cooking. Most grocery stores sell them pre-cleaned.
