Zesty Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing
Recipe Introduction: Slaw some Asian Flavors
Ever find yourself craving something crunchy and packed with flavor? I do. Oh my gosh, this zesty asian slaw with peanut dressing is exactly what you need. It is a flavor bomb.
What’s the Deal with This Slaw?
This ain't your grandma's coleslaw. This Asian inspired slaw brings together the best of both worlds. It's inspired by Asian flavors, but with a simple slaw base.
The goal is big, bold flavors.
This recipe is easy as pie. It’s just 25 minutes, start to finish. That's right, from zero to hero in under half an hour.
The recipe yields about 6 servings. It is perfect for a small gathering or meal prep.
Why You'll Love This Easy Slaw Recipe
Honestly, the best part is how healthy it is. Packed with veggies, this slaw is a nutritional powerhouse. It's also a fantastic summer slaw side dish.
It will wow your friends at your next BBQ. Plus, it's easily customizable to be vegan Asian slaw !
Ready to dive in? Let’s get to those ingredients!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, mates, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You can't make a killer asian slaw without knowing what you need, right? Don't worry, it's all super straightforward.
Trust me, this easy slaw recipe is a piece of cake!
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
Here's what you'll need to whip up this crunchy slaw . Get your pens and paper ready:
- Green Cabbage: 4 cups (about 400g ), shredded. Fresh is best, innit?
- Purple Cabbage: 2 cups (around 200g ), shredded. Adds a lovely colour pop.
- Carrots: 1 cup (roughly 100g ), shredded. Go for vibrant orange ones!
- Green Onions: 1/2 cup (about 50g ), chopped. The fresher, the better the zing.
- Cilantro: 1/2 cup (around 50g ), chopped. Corriander for the brits!
- Sesame Seeds: 1/4 cup (approx. 25g ), toasted (optional). Trust me, toast 'em! Adds a nutty richness.
- Slivered Almonds: 1/4 cup (about 25g ), optional. Adds some crunch.
For the peanut dressing , it is simple and easy.
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). It is the magic that adds tanginess.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Low-sodium is your friend.
- Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Smooth or crunchy, your call.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Or maple syrup for a vegan asian slaw .
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Don't skip this - adds such a great flavour.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), grated. Adds that sesame ginger dressing .
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . Or more if you like it hot, hot, hot!
- Water: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Or more to get the perfect consistency.
Seasoning Like a Pro
This asian salad recipe is all about balance. The essential spice combinations will have you hooked!
- Peanut Butter & Soy Sauce: This combo is a flavour bomb, honestly! So savoury and nutty.
- Ginger & Garlic: These are flavour enhancers that bring warmth and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a lil' kick. Feel free to substitute with sriracha.
Equipment Essentials
No need for fancy gadgets, love. This cabbage slaw is all about simplicity.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small Bowl or Jar: For whisking the dressing.
- Whisk: For a smooth dressing. A fork works too!
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping all the veggies. A mandoline makes it even faster
- Small Skillet: To toast those sesame seeds to perfection.
Honestly, the most important thing is a good knife. You can get away with using a box grater for the carrots if you don't have a mandoline.
And hey, don't sweat it if you don't have sesame seeds. It'll still be banging!
Zesty Asian Slaw : Crunchy Goodness!
Honestly, sometimes you just crave something fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavour. This zesty asian slaw is it . It’s easy, and it's way more exciting than your average coleslaw.
It's a total flavor bomb! Think of it as the "cool cousin" of regular coleslaw. Let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organised. Shred your cabbage slaw green and purple if you're feeling fancy. Grate those carrots.
Chop your green onions and cilantro. Seriously, essential mise en place will save you a ton of time and stress.
It's all about setting yourself up for success. I’m talking about around 20 minutes of active prep.
step-by-step Asian Inspired Slaw
- Shred your veggies: cabbage, carrots. Chop herbs.
- Toast sesame seeds: Medium heat, 5 minutes . Watch them like a hawk!
- Whisk dressing: All ingredients in a bowl, mix well!
- Combine slaw ingredients: Veggies, herbs, and sesame seeds in a bowl.
- Dress the slaw: Toss gently!
Peanut Dressing : The Secret Weapon
This peanut dressing is the star. Trust me, it's delicious. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup rice vinegar , 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 2 tablespoons peanut butter , 2 tablespoons honey , 1 tablespoon sesame oil , 1 tablespoon grated ginger , 1 minced garlic clove , 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes , and 2 tablespoons water .
Adjust the water to get the consistency you like. Taste it. Is it sweet enough? Tangy enough? Go wild!
Pro Tips: Slaw Secrets
- Don't drown your slaw! Add dressing gradually.
- Toasting sesame seeds makes a HUGE difference.
- For the best flavour let the flavors chill out for 30 minutes. Make this ahead of time, seriously.
This easy slaw recipe is also super adaptable. Add mango or pineapple for a tropical slaw . Use maple syrup for a vegan Asian slaw .
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. So there you have it! Whip up this vibrant slaw and bring a bit of sunshine to your table.
You will not regret it!.
Recipe Notes
This Asian slaw is super versatile. Honestly, you can make it your own! Let's chat about serving ideas, storage, and fun twists.
Serving Suggestions - Get Creative!
Plating matters. A pretty bowl makes it taste even better. I love piling this slaw high on a platter. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra crunchy slaw appeal.
This slaw is amazing with grilled grub. Think burgers or sausages! It's killer in fish tacos, trust me. I've even used it to top noodles! For drinks, a crisp beer or iced tea rocks.
Storage Tips - Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the slaw into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.
The cabbage slaw might get a little softer, but it'll still taste fab.
Freezing isn't ideal for this one. The veggies get mushy. Reheating isn't really a thing either. Just grab it cold straight from the fridge. Honestly, it tastes best that way!
Variations - Let's Get Wild!
Want to spice things up? Add more red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Or, throw in some shredded mango for a tropical slaw vibe.
For my vegan friends, swap honey for maple syrup . Easy peasy! If peanuts are a no-go, use almond or sunflower seed butter in the peanut dressing .
This is really adaptable, you know?
Nutrition Basics - Good for You!
Each serving is around 200 calories . You get 7g of protein and 4g of fiber . Not bad, eh? It's packed with vitamins from all those veggies.
This Asian inspired slaw gives you a healthy dose of goodness. It's a great way to sneak more veg into your diet. Plus, it's way more exciting than plain old lettuce.
So, give this recipe a bash. Have fun with it. Don't be afraid to tweak things. You got this! Making your own easy slaw recipe is way easier than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make asian slaw ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
You absolutely can! In fact, it's often better to make asian slaw a few hours in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge. Just be aware that the slaw might get a little softer over time, so don't make it too far in advance a day ahead is usually perfect.
Nobody wants a soggy slaw, eh?
Help! My asian slaw dressing is too thick. How do I thin it out?
No worries, this happens! The easiest way to thin out your asian slaw dressing is by adding a tablespoon of water at a time, whisking until you reach your desired consistency. You can also use a little more rice vinegar for a bit of extra tang.
Think of it like making a good cup of tea, it's all about finding that perfect balance!
I'm allergic to peanuts. What can I use instead of peanut butter in this asian slaw recipe?
A peanut allergy doesn't mean you have to miss out! Sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or almond butter are great substitutes in the peanut dressing. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Just be sure to check the labels to ensure your chosen substitute is processed in a peanut free facility if your allergy is severe better safe than sorry, like a good health insurance policy!
How long does asian slaw last in the fridge? I made a big batch!
Your asian slaw will generally last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. The texture will change over time as the vegetables soften, but it's still perfectly safe to eat as long as it smells and looks good. It's like leftover curry, gets better with time!
Can I add protein to my asian slaw to make it a complete meal?
Definitely! Adding protein is a fantastic way to make asian slaw a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp are classic choices that pair well with the Asian flavors. Tofu (either baked or pan-fried) is a great vegetarian option. Edamame or even some hard boiled eggs would work too!
What are some variations I can make to my asian slaw?
Get creative! You can add shredded mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. For extra spice, add some sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. Different nuts such as walnuts or cashews can add a new textural element. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some kimchi for a fermented kick!
Zesty Asian Slaw With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
