Rinse the nopal cactus paddles under cold water.

Lay each paddle flat on a cutting board and cut off the edge around the paddle and the base where it was attached to the cactus.

Use a paring knife to scrape off the spines and nodules.

Cut the paddles into small, manageable strips or cubes.

Place the strips or cubes in a pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and let them boil for about 10 minutes.

Once your nopales have turned a darker shade of green and their texture is akin to cooked green beans, drain them in a colander. Rinse them under cold water.

Your cooked nopales are now ready to be served. You can eat them as they are now or add them to dishes.