Nopalitos Wings

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Nopalitos Wings, a bold fusion of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors paired with the unique texture of nopalitos, or cactus paddles. Succulent chicken wings are baked to golden perfection and tossed in a vibrant lime-honey glaze, then complemented by tender slices of nopalitos for a southwest-inspired twist. Garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional crumbled queso fresco, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for parties, game day, or adventurous weeknight dinners, these wings are a mouthwatering blend of zesty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will delight your taste buds. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, Nopalitos Wings are a must-try for anyone craving a unique culinary experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Chicken wings
• 1 cup Nopalitos (sliced cactus paddles)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons Chopped green onions
• 0.25 cup Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with vegetable oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3

Spread the wings out in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 4

While the wings are baking, prepare the nopalitos. If using fresh cactus paddles, carefully rinse them to remove any outer slime, dice them into small strips, and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using jarred nopalitos, rinse and drain well.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey to create a glaze. Set aside.

Step 6

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared nopalitos and pour the lime-honey glaze over the wings. Toss everything gently until the wings are coated in the glaze and mixed with the nopalitos.

Step 7

Transfer the glazed wings and nopalitos to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and crumbled queso fresco, if desired.

Step 8

Serve warm and enjoy your Nopalitos Wings as a unique and delicious appetizer or party dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1324.7 grams (1324.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3220

Total Fat 223.30g	286%
Saturated Fat 56.40g	282%
Polyunsaturated Fat 68.00g
Cholesterol 1059mg	353%
Sodium 6647mg	289%
Total Carbohydrate 106.70g	39%
Dietary Fiber 8.90g	32%
Total Sugars 41.00g
Protein 191.60g	383%

Vitamin D 73IU	363%
Calcium 960mg	74%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 2453mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.7%

Protein: 23.9%

Carbs: 13.3%