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 needed in a coleslaw. It’s gentle, completely crunchy, and tremendous flavorful.

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

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

Ingredient Notes

• Toasted Sesame Oil: Be sure to make use of toasted sesame oil for its distinct, intense taste.
• Crushed Purple Pepper Flakes: These add only a trace of warmth. Double it if you wish to carry 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 may 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: Purple 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 little bit delicate onion chunk.
• 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 might water down your dressing over time. If you happen to’re making coleslaw prematurely or wish to maintain leftovers crisp, this straightforward trick helps quite a bit.

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 completely with chilly water and pat it fully dry with paper towels earlier than assembling your slaw. This step helps maintain the cabbage crunchy and your dressing from getting diluted.

Variations

Spice it Up: On the lookout for a little bit 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 at liberty to substitute with contemporary parsley or mint.

Serving Ideas

Coleslaw is a good complement to many dishes and this one will give issues spicy, Asian-inspired flavors. Listed here 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 little bit crunch and a little bit 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 basic combo!