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, attempt our straightforward Traditional Coleslaw.

Why My Recipe

• A spicy twist on a basic coleslaw that’s certain to impress.
• The sesame soy-honey dressing has daring flavors with a bit warmth.
• Use heads of cabbage and carrots, or save time by utilizing 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 on the subject 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 fitting crunch.

Ingredient Notes

• Toasted Sesame Oil: Ensure 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 deliver extra warmth, or go away it out solely in the event you aren’t into spicy.
• Rice Vinegar: use seasoned rice vinegar for added taste, or unseasoned for decrease energy. You’ll be able to substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, however the taste might be barely totally 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 shade and variation. Thinly slice.
• Shredded Carrots: For a candy, earthy style.
• Cilantro: It is 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 shade and a bit delicate onion chew.
• 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 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 may water down your dressing over time. For those who’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: Searching for a bit extra warmth? Double the quantity of pink 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 Strategies

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 effectively with this tasty slaw!

Tacos: Make this recipe, after which use the leftovers to make fish tacos the following 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 hen, 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!