Name: Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 head napa cabbage; 1 head purple cabbage; 2 carrots; 1 bell pepper; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 1/4 cup sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons tahini

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why make this recipe

This Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is perfect for any meal. It’s fresh, crunchy, and full of vibrant colors. The combination of napa and purple cabbage, along with carrots and bell pepper, makes it not only delicious but also visually appealing. The dressing adds a tasty punch, making the slaw a great side dish or even a light main dish. Plus, it’s simple to make and packed with healthy ingredients!

how to make Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

Ingredients:

1 head napa cabbage
1 head purple cabbage
2 carrots
1 bell pepper
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tahini

Directions:

Prep cabbage: Thinly slice napa cabbage into ribbons against the grain. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it rest for more than 5 minutes to draw out excess water. Drain and pat dry to keep it crunchy.
Prep other vegetables: Julienne the carrots into matchsticks, slice the purple cabbage slightly thicker for added texture, and cut the bell pepper into uniform thin strips for sweetness and color.
Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well mixed. Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tahini until smooth and creamy.
Combine: In a large bowl, toss the dried napa cabbage with the other prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold to coat everything evenly, being careful not to bruise the veggies.
Finish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the slaw; give it a light toss again. Save some seeds and nuts for garnishing.
Marinate: For the best flavor, refrigerate the slaw for at least 5 minutes before serving. A 30-minute chill enhances the flavors even more.

how to serve Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

Serve this slaw as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also serve it in a wrap or on top of rice bowls for a satisfying meal.

how to store Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slaw can last for up to 2 days. However, the longer it sits, the softer it may become, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

Make sure to pat the napa cabbage dry after salting it; this helps keep the slaw crunchy.
Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand; cucumbers and radishes would be great additions!
Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more red pepper flakes for heat.

variation

You can make this slaw vegan by omitting the honey or using a different sweetener, such as agave syrup. You can also add proteins like shredded chicken or tofu for a more filling dish.

FAQs

Can I use regular green cabbage instead of napa cabbage?
Yes, regular green cabbage works well, but napa cabbage gives a softer texture.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them right before serving for the best crunch.

Is this slaw gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.