Asian Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines crunchy vegetables with a zesty dressing, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. This dish is a perfect representation of Asian cuisine, showcasing the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy elements. With its colorful array of fresh ingredients, Asian slaw is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option for any meal. Whether served as a side dish at a barbecue or as a light lunch, this slaw is sure to impress with its crispness and unique flavor profile.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Asian slaw for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. The combination of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers provides a satisfying crunch, while the sesame dressing adds a deliciously nutty flavor. This recipe fits perfectly into a variety of dietary lifestyles, whether you are looking for a low-carb option, a vegan dish, or simply a fresh and healthy side. Moreover, it comes together quickly and can be made in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends.
Tips and Tricks
To make your Asian slaw even more spectacular, consider these helpful tips:
- Use a mandoline or food processor for uniformly shredded vegetables, which will enhance the texture of the slaw.
- Allow the slaw to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.
- Experiment with different nuts or seeds, such as toasted almonds or sunflower seeds, for added flavor and crunch.
Make Ahead Tips
Asian slaw is perfect for meal prepping! You can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance. Store the chopped veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to ensure the slaw remains crisp. When combined, the slaw can stay fresh for about 2 days in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or side dishes.
Recipe Variations
Customize your Asian slaw with these fun variations:
- Add sliced cucumbers or radishes for a refreshing twist.
- Incorporate fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
- Swap out the cabbage for kale or romaine for a different leafy base.
- Try a peanut dressing instead of sesame for a change in flavor profile.
How to Serve
To serve your Asian slaw, present it in a large bowl or a platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for added color and flavor. This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or as a filling for wraps. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider an ice-cold Asian lager, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing green tea. Complement your slaw with side dishes like grilled teriyaki chicken, roasted tofu, or even spicy kimchi for a well-rounded meal. For dessert, a light sorbet or fruit salad would be the perfect finish.
How to Store
Store leftover Asian slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you have extra dressing, keep it separate to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. While this slaw is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the fresh vegetables, it can be enjoyed fresh over a couple of days.
Equipment Needed
You will need a sharp knife or mandoline for slicing, a cutting board, a mixing bowl for combining the slaw, and a whisk or jar for shaking the dressing. If you don’t have a mandoline, a food processor with a shredding attachment works wonderfully as an alternative.
Dietary Adaptations
This Asian slaw can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based sweetener, like agave syrup, in the dressing. For a nut-free version, substitute sesame oil with sunflower oil and omit any nuts or seeds. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free adaptation.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring and summer, include fresh snap peas or radishes for a pop of color and crunch. In the fall, roasted butternut squash would add a hearty element, while in winter, consider using shredded Brussels sprouts for a seasonal twist. Always aim for seasonal vegetables to enhance the flavor and freshness of your slaw.
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the cabbage?
Absolutely! You can use kale, romaine, or even coleslaw mix as alternatives.
How long does the slaw last?
It will stay fresh for about 2 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed within the first day.
Can I make this slaw gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free.
Asian Slaw
Asian Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines crunchy vegetables with a zesty dressing, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, sliced bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cilantro if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Allow the slaw to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 83Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this Asian slaw is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With its refreshing flavors, vibrant colors, and delightful crunch, it’s a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main dish, this slaw is versatile and adaptable to your taste preferences. So, gather your fresh ingredients and enjoy crafting this beautiful and delicious salad!
