Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw: The Easiest Asian Slaw Recipe

Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a burst of flavor, a celebration of textures, and a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. We Nonnas, Maria, Lucia, and Teresa, have been making variations of this asian cabbage salad for years, adapting it to our families’ tastes and using whatever fresh vegetables we have on hand. This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw recipe is our current favorite, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

The inspiration for this recipe came from a desire to lighten up some of our heavier Italian meals. We needed a vibrant, refreshing side that could stand up to rich sauces and hearty meats. And let us tell you, this easy slaw recipe delivers! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, with a satisfying crunch that will have you coming back for more. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!

Why You Will Love This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The toasted sesame oil, the zing of ginger, and the kick of sriracha create a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. This is a truly healthy cabbage slaw.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have this vibrant side dish on the table in minutes. We love that it’s so versatile, pairing perfectly with everything from grilled chicken and fish to tofu and even some of our heartier Italian dishes. It’s a delicious addition to our crockpot corned beef and cabbage, adding a bit of freshness and heat, or alongside some spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce. Remember those summer days in Queens? This slaw brings back all those happy memories of potlucks and shared laughter.

Imagine Lucia, carefully shredding the cabbage while Maria hums a tune and Teresa prepares the dressing. This slaw represents the flavors born out of those cherished moments.

Ingredients Needed for This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

• For the Slaw:

* 1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups) * 1 cup shredded carrots * 1/2 cup chopped red onion * 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro * 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted * 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• For the Spicy Sesame Dressing:

* 1/4 cup rice vinegar * 2 tablespoons sesame oil * 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) * 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup * 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger * 1 clove garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste) * 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Cabbage: Finely shred the green cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Place it in a large bowl. Remember to remove the tough outer leaves.
2. 2. Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions to the bowl with the cabbage. Gently toss to combine. Adding the right amount of vegetables ensures the best taste.
3. 3. Make the Spicy Sesame Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha. For a richer flavor, you might also consider a touch of peanut butter.
4. 4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more sriracha for extra heat or honey for more sweetness.
5. 5. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

This spicy sesame cabbage slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes.

• As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, pork, or tofu. A simple, fresh complement to grilled food.
• In tacos or wraps: Add a scoop to your favorite tacos or wraps for extra crunch and flavor.
• As a topping: Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or even salads.
• With Asian-inspired dishes: It’s a natural accompaniment to stir fries, noodle dishes, and other Asian-inspired meals, and perhaps with some corned beef and cabbage with horseradish sauce, just for fun!
• Plating: For a visually appealing presentation, serve the slaw in a colorful bowl and garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

How to Store This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Proper storage will help keep it fresh and delicious.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover spicy sesame cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time.
• Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing this slaw, as the cabbage will become soggy when thawed.
• Reheating: The slaw is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
• Shelf life: As mentioned, the slaw is best consumed within 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Tips to Make This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your Asian cabbage salad is a success:

• Toast the sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
• Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty flavor to the dressing. Avoid using powdered ginger, as it doesn’t have the same punch.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of sriracha and add more as needed. A little goes a long way!
• Don’t overdress the slaw: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the slaw and the dressing separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or edamame.

Helpful Notes for This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

• Cabbage: Green cabbage is the traditional choice for slaw, but you can also use red or purple cabbage for a different flavor and color.
• Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil has a more intense flavor than regular sesame oil. Look for it in the Asian food section of your grocery store.
• Sriracha: Sriracha is a Thai hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. You can find it in most grocery stores.
• Honey or maple syrup: Use whichever sweetener you prefer. Maple syrup will give the slaw a slightly different flavor.

Variation of This Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw Recipe

• Spicy Peanut Slaw: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dressing for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Sweet and Sour Slaw: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks or mandarin orange segments to the slaw for a touch of sweetness.
• Creamy Slaw: Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamier texture.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Slaw: Be sure to use maple syrup instead of honey if you would like to keep this recipe vegan.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw recipe as much as we do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We promise, this Spicy Sesame Cabbage Slaw will become a new family favorite.

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