Nopales, or prickly pear cactus leaves, are a common ingredient in a variety of dishes in Mexico City. I recently discovered a particularly delicious way to use them as a taco topping: sauteed with onions, dried chilies, and spices. This simple yet flavorful combination elevates tacos to a whole new level. I first encountered this delightful topping at a bustling market in Mexico City. The tacos de carnitas topped with these nopales were a revelation.
![Fresh nopales at a market]()
Intrigued, I returned to the market to learn more about this unique topping. After a brief conversation with the taco vendor, I discovered the key ingredients and the basic preparation method. It wasn’t escabeche as I had initially assumed, but rather a simple saute of nopales, onions, chile de arbol, salt, oregano, and bay leaves.
![Close-up of the nopales taco topping]()
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to recreate the dish myself. First, I gathered all the necessary ingredients: fresh nopales (still with the spines!), a white onion, dried chile de arbol, bay leaves, Mexican oregano, salt, and oil.
Ingredients for the nopales taco topping
Cleaning the nopales was a bit of a challenge. After a bit of trial and error, I found the most efficient method was to scrape off the spines with a paring knife. Then, I sliced the nopales and onions thinly.
![Sliced nopales and onions ready for cooking]()
The cooking process itself is crucial for developing the complex flavors of this topping. The first step is to fry the chile de arbol in oil until fragrant. Remove the chilies from the pan, then add the nopales and cook until the sliminess disappears. Next, add the onions, oregano, and bay leaves. Finally, return the fried chilies to the pan and cook everything together for another five to ten minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
![Nopales cooking in a pan]()
The result? An incredibly flavorful and aromatic taco topping. The nopales have a surprisingly lemony, acidic quality that complements the spiciness of the chilies. The oregano and bay leaves add a deep, earthy note.
![Finished nopales taco topping]()
This nopales topping is so versatile. Enjoy it on tacos, with a fresh tortilla, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish. Add some cotija cheese or salsa for an extra layer of flavor. This simple dish is a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful cooking process. If you ever have the opportunity to cook with nopales, I highly recommend trying this recipe. It’s a true culinary gem.
