Best Easy Tasajo con Nopales Recipe

Thin-cut dried beef paired with tender cactus paddles in a savory preparation from Oaxaca. High in protein and fiber, this healthy combination supports clean eats and lower cholesterol goals.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 290 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • tasajo (Oaxacan-style dried beef) 12 oz
  • nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and sliced 3 cups
  • white onion, sliced 0.5 cup
  • plum tomato, diced 1 cup
  • fresh cilantro, chopped 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • lime juice 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 13%
Protein 31 g 43%
Fat 13 g 44%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil.

  2. 2

    Add the sliced nopales and half the salt; cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the mucilage is released and nopales turn a deeper green.

  3. 3

    Stir in the onion, tomato, and black pepper; reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 more minutes, until onions turn translucent.

  4. 4

    While nopales cook, heat a separate skillet over high heat. Brush remaining olive oil on the tasajo slices. Sear the beef quickly, about 1–2 minutes per side, until just cooked through but still tender.

  5. 5

    Transfer the cooked nopales mixture to a platter. Slice the tasajo into strips and layer over the nopales. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and drizzle lime juice over the top before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tasajo con Nopales recipe?
The core ingredients that define this dish are tasajo, a thin-cut Oaxacan-style dried beef, and nopales, which are tender cactus paddles. Tasajo provides rich savory depth and high protein, while nopales offer fiber and a unique, slightly tangy flavor.
Q. What cooking techniques help keep the beef tender and flavorful?
Quickly searing the tasajo over high heat prevents the beef from drying out, keeping it juicy and tender. Slicing after cooking also retains texture while allowing the flavors of the ingredients to come together harmoniously.
Q. How do you avoid slimy nopales in this dish?
Cooking nopales over medium-high heat and stirring often helps release and reduce their natural mucilage (the slime). This step, combined with sufficient heat and added salt, ensures a pleasant, firm texture.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 290 kcal and a substantial 31 grams of protein. This results in a protein-to-carb caloric ratio of 43% protein and only 13% carbs, making the dish great for high-protein meal plans.
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