Nopalitos con Huevos: A Sunny Start to the Day

Nopalitos con Huevos: A Quick &amp Easy Cactus Breakfast!

By Kendra Thompson June 21, 2025

Start your day with Nopalitos con Huevos! This simple Mexican cactus and egg recipe is ready in minutes. A healthy, flavorful breakfast that's surprisingly easy! Get the recipe. ... Quick & Easy Meals

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of Mexico this morning? This nopalitos recipe is your express ticket! It's quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors.

Brief Overview

Nopalitos con huevos (cactus with eggs) is a super traditional mexican brekkie. think simple, wholesome ingredients all coming together in a fiesta of flavors.

This easy nopalitos breakfast recipe takes about 35 minutes total. you will get about 2 to 3 servings. perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Main Benefits

One of the best things is that nopalitos are packed with fiber and antioxidants. so you're getting a delicious and healthy cactus recipes meal.

It is definitely a good way to fuel your body!. serve these nopales con huevos recipe for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner.

It's a simple dish. but it always hits the spot and puts a smile on your face.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this nopales recipe is one of my go-to dishes when i want something quick and tasty. you know? it's like sunshine in a pan, even when the weather outside is dull.

I love the slight tang of the cactus recipe , the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the spicy kick from the jalapeño.

It's just a flavor explosion! plus, it's so versatile. serve it on its own. put it in tortillas for a nopalitos tacos filling recipe .

Serve as a side with beans and rice. trust me; it's a winner.

Nopalitos con Huevos: A Sunny Start to the Day presentation

The Star of the Show: Nopalitos

Let's talk cactus! nopalitos are basically the pads of the prickly pear cactus. don't let that scare you off! they have a mild, slightly tangy flavor, kind of like green beans with a hint of lemon.

You can find them fresh, jarred, or canned. if you're using fresh nopales , make sure you boil them in salted water first to get rid of that slightly slimy texture.

Pre-cooked nopalitos work just as well. they are especially if you're short on time! i remember one time, i tried using fresh nopales without boiling them first.

Big mistake! the dish was way too slimy, and nobody wanted to eat it. lesson learned! now, i always make sure to follow that step.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Nopalitos Adventure!

Ready to make some nopales con huevos recipe ? excellent. first, let's make sure you have everything you need. this isn't brain surgery, honestly.

But having the right stuff makes things easier and way more fun. i love this easy nopalitos breakfast , you'll enjoy it!.

Main Goodies: Measure Up!

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Extra virgin is always a good shout, innit?
Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped. About 1/2 cup when chopped. A white onion is classic, but yellow works too.
Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and finely chopped. Optional, of course. Skip it if you're spice-averse, yeah?
Tomatoes: 2 medium, chopped. Roughly 1 cup . Ripe ones, please!
Nopalitos: 1 cup cooked, diced. About 200g . Fresh, jarred, or canned all work. Fresh is best if you can swing it. Check for a bright green color if they are raw!.
Eggs: 4 large. Free-range if you can! They just taste better, right?
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!

Thinking about how to cook nopales recipe ? start with good ingredients! if using fresh nopalitos, make sure to boil them in salted water first.

This will help get rid of that slightly slimy texture. trust me on this one! this also goes a long way in improving healthy cactus recipes .

Seasoning Sensations

Salt and pepper are your base. but don't stop there! a pinch of cumin adds warmth. a dash of chili powder brings the heat.

A squeeze of lime at the end? chef's kiss! fresh cilantro is also great on these nopalitos tacos filling recipe .

Feel free to adjust to your taste! the mexican cactus and egg recipe is nothing without seasoning

Gear Up! Essential Tools

You'll need:

A large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend for the eggs.
A cutting board and knife. For chopping those veggies, duh!
A whisk or fork. For beating those eggs.

Don't have a fancy whisk? a fork works just fine! we're not trying to win masterchef, are we? this cactus recipe is simple enough to make with basic equipment.

If you want to make this nopales recipes mexican breakfast you don't need to go to a shop for some fancy equipment.

Nopalitos con Huevos: A Sunny Start to the Day

Honestly, if you're looking for a way to spice up your breakfast routine, you need to try this nopalitos recipe .

Forget your usual cereal. this mexican cactus and egg recipe will blow your socks off. it's a proper taste of mexico, right in your kitchen! i mean, who wouldn't want a bit of sunshine, even when it's dull out?

Did you know that the nopal cactus is super good for you? it's packed with fiber. this makes this easy nopalitos breakfast not only delicious, but also good for your gut.

It is a truly healthy cactus recipe .

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. it's all about that mise en place , you know? chop your 1/2 medium white onion (about 1/2 cup).

Dice 2 medium tomatoes (about 1 cup). if you are brave, seed and mince 1 jalapeño! measure out 1 cup (200g) of diced, cooked nopalitos.

I usually grab mine from a jar to save time. a quick rinse under the tap gets rid of any goo.

Set out 4 eggs, too.

Time-Saving Tip: Pre-chopping everything saves loads of time. Do it the night before. It makes this nopales recipes Mexican breakfast a breeze on busy mornings.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Up a Storm!

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the onion and jalapeño until soft. This takes around 5 minutes .
Chuck in the tomatoes and nopalitos. Cook for another 5 minutes . Stir so they don't stick!
Whisk 4 eggs with salt and pepper in a bowl.
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Scramble gently until cooked. Do not overcook!
Season to taste. Salt and pepper.
Serve immediately. Boom!

Visual Cue: You want the eggs cooked but still slightly moist.

Pro Tips: Nopalitos Ninja Moves

Want to take your nopales con huevos recipe to the next level? adding cheese, like monterey jack. it is good when you add it in the last minute, just for a melty twist.

Common Mistake: Overcooking the eggs is a crime! Keep them soft and creamy.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prep all the veggies the night before. This makes the morning even easier. This makes this nopalitos tacos filling recipe very adaptable.

Recipe Notes for the Best Nopalitos Con Huevos!

Alright, so you're about to dive into this fantastic nopalitos recipe . honestly, it's so easy even i can't mess it up.

Let me give you some extra tips before you start, yeah?

Serving Like a Pro

Seriously, presentation matters. pile your nopales con huevos recipe high on a warm plate. then, sprinkle some fresh cilantro and queso fresco on top.

It just makes it look so much better. think about warm corn tortillas for making tacos with this nopalitos tacos filling recipe .

Refried beans and rice? yes, please! . also, a nice agua fresca really hits the spot.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Okay, let's be real: leftovers rarely happen with this mexican cactus and egg recipe . but if you do have some, put them in an airtight container.

They'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days . to reheat, just zap them in the microwave. or, you can gently warm them in a skillet.

Make sure they are piping hot before serving.

Remixing Your Nopales

Want to mix things up? absolutely! for a vegan version, ditch the eggs. then, add some black beans for protein.

Need more heat? throw in a dash of hot sauce. it is that easy. sub bell peppers for jalapeño if you are in a bind.

Nutrition Lowdown

This healthy cactus recipes is good for you, and taste good too. each serving has roughly 250-300 calories . you also get about 15-20g of protein and 3-5g of fiber .

Also, how to cook nopales recipe is important so you can retain all the good stuff. remember, these are just estimates.

The nutrition details vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

So, go on, get cooking! this easy nopalitos breakfast will brighten your day. i know you'll absolutely love it. and hey, don't be afraid to experiment.

Make it your own, you know? i'm sure the flavor from the nopales recipes mexican breakfast will be very delicious.

Nopales con Huevos Recipe: Sunshine On a Plate!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are nopalitos, and where can I find them to make this nopalitos recipe?

Nopalitos are edible cactus pads, specifically from the prickly pear cactus. They have a slightly tangy, green bean-like flavor. You can find them fresh (usually requiring some prep to remove the spines), jarred, or canned in the Hispanic section of most well-stocked grocery stores. If you're struggling to find them, try your local Mexican market; they're usually readily available there.

How do I get rid of the slimy texture of fresh nopalitos before using them in this nopalitos recipe?

Ah, the dreaded slime! The best way to combat the sliminess of fresh nopalitos is to boil them in salted water for about 10-15 minutes before using them. This helps to draw out the mucilage. Rinsing them thoroughly afterward is also crucial. If you're using jarred or canned nopalitos, give them a good rinse too, as they can sometimes have a bit of a slimy texture.

Can I make this Nopalitos con Huevos recipe ahead of time?

While Nopalitos con Huevos is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prep some components ahead of time. You can sauté the onions, jalapeño, tomatoes, and nopalitos in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, when you're ready to eat, simply reheat the mixture and add the eggs. Keep in mind that the texture of the eggs might change slightly if reheated, so it's generally better to cook them right before serving.

I'm not a fan of spicy food. Can I still make this nopalitos recipe without the jalapeño?

Absolutely! The jalapeño is entirely optional in this recipe. It's there to add a bit of a kick, but the dish will still be delicious without it. You could even substitute it with a mild bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and added texture. Think of it like customizing a good cuppa – adjust it to your liking!

What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for this nopalitos recipe on hand?

No worries, improvising is part of the fun! If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes (drain them first). If you're out of queso fresco, crumbled feta or even a sprinkle of cheddar can work in a pinch. And as mentioned before, bell peppers are a great alternative to jalapeños. Think of your kitchen like a "Ready Steady Cook" challenge – see what you've got and make it work!

How can I store leftover Nopalitos con Huevos, and how long will it last?

Leftover Nopalitos con Huevos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Be aware that the eggs may become slightly rubbery upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. You can also add a splash of milk or water while reheating to help restore some moisture.