Nopales con Huevo
A beloved Tex-Mex breakfast classic that brings together tender cactus paddles and fluffy scrambled eggs. It's a savory, satisfying, and incredibly quick meal, perfect with warm tortillas and fresh salsa.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients
- b.Drain the nopales in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove the brine and slimy texture (baba); chop into bite-sized pieces.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper until just combined. Set both aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and serrano pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Nopales and Tomatoes
- b.Add the rinsed nopales and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
- c.Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the nopales to heat through completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Scramble the Eggs
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the vegetable mixture.
- c.Let them set for about 30 seconds without stirring. Then, using a spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center, folding them into large, soft curds.
- d.Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in the chopped cilantro.
- c.Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled queso fresco and extra cilantro. This dish is best enjoyed with warm corn tortillas, refried beans, and your favorite salsa.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to great nopales is rinsing them very well to remove the 'baba' or slime. Don't skip this step!
- 2For creamier eggs, add a splash of milk or cream when whisking them.
- 3Control the heat by removing the seeds and veins from the serrano pepper. For more spice, leave them in or add an extra pepper.
- 4If using fresh nopales, wear gloves to handle them. Scrape off the spines with a knife, trim the edges, dice, and then boil in salted water with a piece of onion for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
For a heartier meal, add 1/2 cup of cooked chorizo, bacon, or diced ham along with the onions.
Cheesy TwistCheesy Twist
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese at the end until just melted for a gooey, delicious version.
Different VeggiesDifferent Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Use a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce instead of the serrano for a smoky, deeper heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
Nopales are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, supporting weight management.
Rich in Protein
With eight large eggs in the recipe, this dish provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This meal is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium from the nopales, as well as lycopene from the tomatoes, which acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. Nopales (cactus) are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Eggs provide high-quality protein. It's a balanced and nutritious meal, especially for breakfast.