Spicy Sesame Coleslaw

I’ve to confess, I’m barely obsessive about this recipe. I created this because the coleslaw model of my Spicy Thai Pasta Salad, and it’s just about all the things I’ve ever wished in a coleslaw. It’s mild, completely crunchy, and tremendous flavorful.

For extra tasty coleslaw recipes, strive our straightforward Classic Coleslaw.

Who says coleslaw must be boring? We discover that coleslaw is usually the facet that will get uncared for, particularly on the subject of fried rooster takeout. However this coleslaw isn’t any soggy, takeout facet! We’ve dressed this coleslaw up with a spicy sesame French dressing, contemporary cilantro and inexperienced onion, and honey-roasted peanuts for simply the precise crunch.

Ingredient Notes

• Toasted Sesame Oil: Be certain to make use of toasted sesame oil for its distinct, intense taste.
• Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: These add only a trace of warmth. Double it if you wish to convey extra warmth, or depart it out fully in the event you aren’t into spicy.
• Rice Vinegar: use seasoned rice vinegar for added taste, or unseasoned for decrease energy. You possibly can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, however the taste shall be barely completely different.
• Soy Sauce:  Substitute with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Honey: Provides a contact of sweetness to the sauce. Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Cabbage: Pink and inexperienced cabbage are used for colour and variation. Thinly slice.
• Shredded Carrots: For a candy, earthy style.
• Cilantro: This can be a staple taste, however in the event you don’t love the flavour of cilantro then parsley is the go-to substitute.
• Inexperienced Onion: Provides a pop of colour and a bit of gentle onion chew.
• Honey Roasted Peanuts: We love the crunch of peanuts, however in the event you don’t share that love or have allergy symptoms, you possibly can depart them out or substitute with almonds or cashews.

Make Your Coleslaw Final Longer

Cabbage tends to launch water after it’s shredded, which may water down your dressing over time. For those who’re making coleslaw prematurely or need to preserve leftovers crisp, this easy trick helps loads.

Place your shredded cabbage in a colander and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss it gently and let it sit for 1 to 4 hours. The salt will draw out extra moisture. After it sweats, rinse the cabbage totally with chilly water and pat it fully dry with paper towels earlier than assembling your slaw. This step helps preserve the cabbage crunchy and your dressing from getting diluted.

Variations

Spice it Up: Searching for a bit of extra warmth? Double the quantity of purple pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons, or you possibly can simply add sliced (or diced) contemporary jalapeños.

Combine-Ins: Some nice additions (or substitutions) are cashews, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and even sunflower seeds.

Garnish: Not a fan of cilantro or inexperienced onion? Be happy to substitute with contemporary parsley or mint.

Serving Strategies

Coleslaw is a good complement to many dishes and this one will give issues spicy, Asian-inspired flavors. Listed below are a few of our go-to dishes that pair nicely with this tasty slaw!

Tacos: Make this recipe, after which use the leftovers to make fish tacos the subsequent day. This coleslaw goes completely with fish tacos and even shrimp tacos!

Wraps: Add a bit of crunch and a bit of tang to a rooster wrap. Seize a tortilla, coleslaw, and a few chicken, and also you’re good to go—no want so as to add dressing!

Sandwiches: High your sandwiches, sliders, and even burgers with this tasty coleslaw. We particularly love a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. A traditional combo!