This vibrant Asian slaw is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will elevate any meal. It's a quick and easy dish that brings together the crunch of cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper with the zesty flavors of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish, this slaw is both nutritious and delicious.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Rice vinegar and sesame oil are essential for achieving the authentic Asian flavor but may require a trip to the international aisle of your supermarket. Fresh ginger and cilantro add a unique zest and aroma, so make sure to pick them up fresh. Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
Ingredients For Asian Slaw Recipe
Cabbage: Provides a crunchy base for the slaw, adding texture and volume.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color to the slaw.
Red bell pepper: Contributes a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the slaw.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dressing.
Rice vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances the dressing.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang to the dressing.
Maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tangy and salty flavors.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the dressing.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dressing.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a more vibrant and crisp texture in your slaw, consider soaking the shredded cabbage and carrots in ice water for about 10 minutes before draining and combining with the other ingredients. This will help maintain their crunch and enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded kale: Kale provides a similar crunch and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.
shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded daikon radish: Daikon radish adds a similar texture and a slightly peppery flavor that complements the slaw.
sliced red bell pepper - Substitute with sliced yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper offers a similar sweetness and crunch, maintaining the balance of flavors.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery taste that can replace cilantro if you prefer a different herb.
sliced green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor that can stand in for green onions.
chopped peanuts - Substitute with chopped almonds: Almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar tanginess and acidity, making it a suitable replacement.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a different but still rich flavor, though it lacks the distinct sesame taste.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness, making it a good alternative.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar provides a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable replacement.
grated ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger offers a similar spicy warmth, though it is more concentrated, so use less.
garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor, though it is more concentrated, so use less.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
To keep your Asian slaw fresh and crisp, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain the crunch of the cabbage and carrots while preserving the vibrant flavors of the cilantro and green onions.
If you plan to enjoy the slaw over a few days, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy. Simply toss the slaw with the dressing just before serving.
For optimal freshness, consume the slaw within 3-4 days. The peanuts may lose their crunch over time, so you might want to add a fresh sprinkle before serving.
If you need to freeze the slaw, it's best to freeze the vegetables and dressing separately. Place the shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
The dressing can be frozen in a small container or ice cube tray. This allows you to thaw just the right amount when you're ready to enjoy the slaw.
When you're ready to serve, thaw the vegetables and dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Toss them together just before serving to ensure the slaw retains its fresh and vibrant taste.
Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the vegetables. While the slaw will still be delicious, it may not be as crisp as when freshly made.
How To Reheat Leftovers
For a quick and easy method, place the Asian slaw in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, use a stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the Asian slaw and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until it's warmed through. This method helps maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
For those who enjoy a bit of a smoky flavor, try reheating the Asian slaw on a grill. Place the slaw in a grill-safe pan and cover with aluminum foil. Heat over medium flame for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Asian slaw in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a gentle reheating method, use a double boiler. Place the Asian slaw in the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method helps retain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.
If you prefer a cold option, simply let the Asian slaw come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully without losing the crisp texture of the cabbage and carrots.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large bowl: Used to combine the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.
Small bowl: Used to whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic for the dressing.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Knife: Needed for chopping the cilantro, slicing the red bell pepper, and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing vegetables and herbs.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced red bell pepper.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup, and grated ginger.
Grater: Needed for grating the ginger.
Tongs or salad servers: Useful for tossing the slaw to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-shred vegetables: Buy pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save chopping time.
Use a food processor: Quickly slice the bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions using a food processor.
Pre-make dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge.
Batch prep: Double the recipe and store extra slaw for quick meals throughout the week.
Minimize cleanup: Mix the dressing directly in the serving bowl to reduce dishwashing.
Asian Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 0.5 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions
- 0.25 cup chopped peanuts
Dressing
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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