Mexican Grilled Nopales with Queso Fresco and Salsa Roja

Introduction

Grilled nopales with queso fresco and salsa roja make a deliciously smoky and tender dish packed with authentic Mexican flavors. Cooking on the Arteflame grill ensures a perfectly even sear, enhancing the natural flavors of the cactus paddles while keeping them tender and juicy.

Ingredients

• 6 fresh nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and de-spined
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 oz queso fresco, crumbled
• 1/2 cup salsa roja
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Season the nopales

1. Brush both sides of the nopales with melted butter.
2. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.

Step 3: Grill the nopales

1. Place the nopales on the flat cooktop near the center where the heat is higher.
2. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a slight char and become tender.

Step 4: Add the queso fresco and salsa roja

1. Once the nopales are grilled, move them slightly towards the cooler side of the cooktop.
2. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the top and let it warm up slightly.
3. Spoon salsa roja generously over each nopale.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

1. Remove the nopales from the grill.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
3. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Tips

• For an extra smoky flavor, use mesquite wood in your Arteflame grill.
• Make sure the nopales are fully de-spined before grilling to ensure a smoother texture.
• Serve with warm tortillas for a more complete meal.

Variations

1. Spicy Nopales: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
2. Cheesy Nopales: Melt some shredded Oaxaca cheese on top for a richer flavor.
3. Avocado and Nopales: Top with sliced avocado for a creamy contrast.
4. Nopales with Chorizo: Cook and crumble chorizo on the flat cooktop and sprinkle it over the nopales.
5. Nopales with Pico de Gallo: Swap the salsa roja for fresh pico de gallo for a bright, refreshing twist.

Conclusion

Grilled nopales with queso fresco are a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. With a perfectly even sear and just the right amount of char, this dish is both simple and incredibly flavorful.

Best Pairings

• Warm corn tortillas
• Grilled meats like carne asada or chicken
• Mexican-style rice
• Refried beans
• A cold, refreshing agua fresca or cerveza