Description:This vibrant and flavorful Asian Cabbage Slaw is a delightful combination of crisp, fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet sesame vinaigrette. It’s an easy-to-make, no-cook recipe perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for grilled meats and fish. The toasted nuts and sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch, while the optional chow mein noodles take it to the next level. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 medium head green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups / 280g)
- 1/4 medium head red cabbage, thinly shredded (about 2 cups / 140g)
- 2 large carrots, shredded (about 1.5 cups / 180g)
- 4-5 scallions, thinly sliced (green and white parts)
- 1/2 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup (35g) toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 2 tablespoons (20g) toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: 1/2 cup (30g) crunchy chow mein noodles
Sesame Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) light vegetable oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup (or honey), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Make sure to whisk vigorously or shake the jar well to emulsify the dressing. This step can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and deepen over time, making it even more delicious.
Step 2: Shred the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of both the green and red cabbage. Cut each cabbage head in half, then into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter. Lay each quarter flat on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to thinly shred the cabbage. A mandoline slicer can also be used for this task, but be careful to protect your fingers. Aim for a uniform thickness for even texture and appearance.
Step 3: Shred the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Using a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment, shred the carrots. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create long ribbons of carrot for a more elegant look. Ensure the carrot shreds are consistent in size for a pleasant texture.
Step 4: Slice the Scallions and Chop the Cilantro: Wash and trim the scallions. Thinly slice both the green and white parts. Wash and thoroughly dry the cilantro. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves. The cilantro is optional, but it adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the slaw. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with chopped parsley or mint.
Step 5: Assemble the Slaw: In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro (if using). Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow you to toss the ingredients without spilling.
Step 6: Dress and Serve: Just before serving, pour the sesame vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. The key to a crunchy slaw is to dress it right before serving, as the dressing will cause the vegetables to soften over time.
Step 7: Add the Crunch: Add the toasted almonds (or cashews), toasted sesame seeds, and crunchy chow mein noodles (if using). Toss gently one last time to distribute the nuts, seeds, and noodles evenly throughout the slaw.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This slaw comes together in just minutes, requiring no cooking whatsoever. It’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and healthy side dish.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and the tangy, slightly sweet sesame vinaigrette creates a complex and addictive flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or toppings.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this slaw is a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: While it’s best served immediately for maximum crunch, the undressed slaw can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made in advance. Just combine them right before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Topping: Use as a topping for tacos, burgers, or sandwiches.
- Light Lunch: Add some grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Potluck Dish: This slaw is always a hit at potlucks and barbecues.
- Asian-Inspired Meal: Serve with spring rolls, dumplings, or stir-fries.
Tips:
- Toast the Nuts and Seeds: Toasting the almonds or cashews and sesame seeds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Use a Mandoline Slicer: A mandoline slicer makes quick work of shredding the cabbage and carrots, ensuring a uniform thickness. Be sure to use the handguard to protect your fingers.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your liking. If you prefer a tangier slaw, use less sweetener.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
- Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure that the tamari you use is vegan-friendly and that you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Storage: While best served immediately, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the slaw will lose some of its crunch over time.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approx. 200
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion:
This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Its vibrant flavors, delightful crunch, and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy it as a side dish, topping, or light lunch – the possibilities are endless! Experiment with different add-ins and variations to create your own signature slaw.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Shred the cabbage and carrots, slice the scallions, and chop the cilantro. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the sesame vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to combine the slaw and dressing just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy.
Q2: I don’t have rice vinegar. What can I substitute it with?
A: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These vinegars have a similar acidity to rice vinegar and will work well in the dressing. Start with a smaller amount and taste, adjusting to your preference, as these vinegars can be slightly stronger.
Q3: Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
A: Yes, you can use regular soy sauce instead of tamari. However, tamari is generally gluten-free, while most soy sauces are not. Also, tamari tends to have a richer, slightly less salty flavor than soy sauce. If using soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount slightly and taste to adjust the seasoning.
Q4: I don’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?
A: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with chopped parsley or mint. These herbs will add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the slaw without the polarizing taste of cilantro. Chives are another good option for a mild oniony flavor.
Q5: Can I add protein to this slaw to make it a complete meal?
A: Absolutely! Adding protein is a great way to make this slaw a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame are all excellent choices. Simply add your protein of choice to the slaw after it’s been dressed. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or roasted peanuts for added protein and texture.
