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 every part 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.

Why My Recipe

• A spicy twist on a traditional coleslaw that’s positive to impress.
• The sesame soy-honey dressing has daring flavors with a bit warmth.
• Use heads of cabbage and carrots, or save time through the use of pre-shredded mixes and blends.

Who says coleslaw must be boring? We discover that coleslaw is usually the facet that will get uncared for, particularly in terms of fried hen takeout. However this coleslaw is not any soggy, takeout facet! We’ve dressed this coleslaw up with a spicy sesame French dressing, recent cilantro and inexperienced onion, and honey-roasted peanuts for simply the proper 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 deliver extra warmth, or go away it out solely in case 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 will likely 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 coloration and variation. Thinly slice.
• Shredded Carrots: For a candy, earthy style.
• Cilantro: This can be a staple taste, however in case you don’t love the flavour of cilantro then parsley is the go-to substitute.
• Inexperienced Onion: Provides a pop of coloration and a bit gentle onion chunk.
• Honey Roasted Peanuts: We love the crunch of peanuts, however in case you don’t share that love or have allergic reactions, you possibly can go away 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. For those who’re making coleslaw upfront or wish to hold leftovers crisp, this easy 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 totally with chilly water and pat it utterly dry with paper towels earlier than assembling your slaw. This step helps hold the cabbage crunchy and your dressing from getting diluted.

Variations

Spice it Up: In search of a bit extra warmth? Double the quantity of crimson pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons, or you possibly can simply add sliced (or diced) recent 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 recent parsley or mint.

Serving Ideas

Coleslaw is a superb 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 properly 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 crunch and a bit tang to a hen wrap. Seize a tortilla, coleslaw, and a few chicken, and also you’re good to go—no want so as to add dressing!

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