Nopales con huevo, cactus paddles with egg, is a traditional Mexican-style breakfast dish that combines scrambled eggs with the unique flavor and texture of nopal (edible cactus). I use store-bought nopales in brine (cactus paddles) to make this breakfast even easier.
About this recipe
This vegan version of Nopales con Huevo is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of a traditional Mexican-style breakfast without using eggs. Instead, this recipe uses a vegan egg substitute (JustEgg) to replicate the same texture and taste as the original.
Not only is this vegan version of Nopales con Huevo simple and delicious but it’s also packed with protein and other essential nutrients. The vegan egg and nopal combination provides a great way to start your day on the right foot.
Plus, this recipe can easily be customized to fit your dietary needs. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast recipe, give this vegan version of Nopales con Huevo a try!
What are nopales?
The nopal cactus is an edible cactus that grows in Mexico and parts of the southern United States. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nopales are the edible pads or leaves of the prickly pear cactus, scientifically known as Opuntia. They are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are also eaten in other Latin American countries.
Nopales have a slightly tart flavor and a crunchy texture and are often used in salads, soups, stews, tacos, and other dishes. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are low in calories.
Nopales are also believed to have some health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
Where to buy Nopales cactus paddles?
Nopales can be purchased at many grocery stores and specialty markets, especially those that cater to Mexican or Latin American cuisine. They are typically sold fresh, canned or in jars.
If you’re unsure where to find nopales in your area, search online for specialty markets that carry Mexican or Latin American ingredients. Alternatively, you may also find nopales at farmers’ markets or specialty food stores. When buying nopales, look for firm, bright green pads with no signs of mold or damage.
Ingredients for making nopales with vegan eggs
- Nopales. I confess that I use jar nopales. At home, I don’t get fresh nopales so easily. Besides, it’s faster to use nopales in a jar, and I can always have them in the refrigerator, so whenever I feel like it, I can make them. Here is a guide on how to wash and peel nopales.
- Onion, use red or white onion.
- Egg, if you don’t like to use vegan egg substitutes (just egg), use tofu. In the recipe for green beans with egg, I tell you how to use it.
How to cook nopales?
If you are using fresh nopales, this is how to clean and cook them. Before cooking the nopales, it is necessary to clean and cook them to soften their texture and eliminate excess slime. To do this, follow these steps:
- Wash the nopales with cold water to remove any dirt.
- Cut and discard the edges and spines of each nopal with a sharp knife.
- Cut the nopales into strips or small pieces, as you prefer.
- Place the nopales in a pot with enough water to cover them, and add a pinch of salt.
- Boil the nopales over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until soft and tender.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to remove excess slime.
How to make nopales con huevos?
To prepare the storebought nopales (cooked nopales), you have to open the jar, drain it and remove spices or other vegetables from it (onion and chiles).
Add the vegetable oil and onion in a frying pan, preferably non-stick. Leave for one minute, add the nopales, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the eggs into the nopales and season with salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
How to serve the egg with nopales?
You can serve this classic Mexican breakfast with freshly made corn or flour tortillas to make tacos. This recipe is also excellent to use for stuffing corn gorditas or sopes.
Serve Mexican salsa such as salsa verde, salsa Tlaquepaque or salsa de tomate y chile serrano. Serve with refried beans or frijoles de olla.
Other vegan Mexican breakfast recipes:
- Red chilaquiles
- Enfrijoladas
- Green chilaquiles
- Molletes
- Sopes
- “Huevo” a la Mexicana
- Tofu with green beans in sauce
NOPALES con huevo
Equipment
- 1 nonstick frying pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup sliced onion
- 1 container vegan egg
- 1 30 oz jar nopales drained and rinsed
Instructions
- To prepare the storebought nopales, you have to open the jar, drain it and remove spices or other vegetables from it (onion and chiles).
- To prepare heat up some vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet and toss in some chopped onions. After a minute, add the nopales and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Then, add the vegan eggsubstitute and sprinkle some salt for seasoning. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the egg is fully cooked as per your preference.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Tengo una Certificación Profesional en la cocina vegana; en el mundo de la cocina basada en vegetales, frutas, granos, leguminosas… en comida limpia, orgánica y vegana.
My cookbook is called Yo Cocino Latino..
- Homemade mangonada recipe - April 17, 2024
- Easy Coconut Rice Recipe with Cashews & Cilantro - April 16, 2024
- Thai basil lentils, vegan version of Basil Chicken - April 15, 2024