Fried Cactus Strips Recipes

EXTRA-CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS

Steps:

• Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix eggs and water together in a small bowl.
• Place some chicken strips in the flour mixture to coat, then gently shake to remove any excess flour. Coat strips in egg. Return to the flour mixture and coat again; repeat with egg mixture. Coat once more in the flour mixture, placing strips on a plate while you continue with remaining chicken.
• Let strips sit for 5 minutes to allow flour to set.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C); oil is ready if you drop some water in and it sizzles.
• Working in batches if needed, place strips in the hot oil. Cook for 8 minutes. Turn over and continue to cook until golden brown, no longer pink in the centers, and juices run clear, about 8 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Place strips on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

FRIED CINNAMON STRIPS

Steps:

• Combine sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal and toss to mix.
• Heat oil in deep-fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry 4 or 5 tortilla strips for 30 seconds on a side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• While still warm, place fried tortillas in bag and shake to coat with sugar mixture. Serve at once or store in an airtight container.

FRIED CACTUS STRIPS

Steps:

• Remove all needles and spines from cactus pads. Slice into 1/2-in.-wide strips. Wash thoroughly; drain and pat dry. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and milk. Combine the bread and saltine crumbs, chili powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt; set aside. Dredge cactus strips in flour mixture, shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. , In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry strips until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with picante sauce.

CACTUS FRIES (NOPALITOS FRITOS)

Steps:

• Remove thorns and "eyes" from cactus, and trim off the edges of pads.
• Blanch cactus for 2 minutes in a covered pan with enough boiling salted water to cover; drain.
• Cut cactus in 3- to 4-inch strips similar to French fries; set aside.
• Combine cornstarch and achiote paste in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• In a medium-size bowl, combine flour and baking powder, add cornstarch mixture, and blend well.
• In another bowl, beat egg white to stiff meringue.
• Fold into the flour mixture, alternating with enough ice water to make batter the consistency of unbeaten egg white; chill.
• Dredge cactus strips in batter, and fry in deep hot oil (375° on the thermometer) until crisp and golden, approximately 3 minutes.
• Drain well and serve.