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 little thing I’ve ever needed in a coleslaw. It’s mild, completely crunchy, and tremendous flavorful.

For extra tasty coleslaw recipes, attempt our simple Classic 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 through the use of pre-shredded mixes and blends.

Who says coleslaw needs to be boring? We discover that coleslaw is commonly the aspect that will get uncared for, particularly relating to fried rooster takeout. However this coleslaw isn’t any soggy, takeout aspect! We’ve dressed this coleslaw up with a spicy sesame French dressing, contemporary cilantro and inexperienced onion, and honey-roasted peanuts for simply the fitting crunch.

Ingredient Notes

• Toasted Sesame Oil: Make sure that 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 convey extra warmth, or go away it out fully in case you aren’t into spicy.
• Rice Vinegar: use seasoned rice vinegar for added taste, or unseasoned for decrease energy. You may substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, however the taste might 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: Purple and inexperienced cabbage are used for colour 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 colour and a bit delicate 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. If you happen to’re making coleslaw upfront or wish to preserve 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 totally with chilly water and pat it fully dry with paper towels earlier than assembling your slaw. This step helps preserve the cabbage crunchy and your dressing from getting diluted.

Variations

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

Serving Solutions

Coleslaw is a superb complement to many dishes and this one will give issues spicy, Asian-inspired flavors. Listed below 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 subsequent day. This coleslaw goes completely with fish tacos and even shrimp tacos!

Wraps: Add a bit crunch and a bit tang to a rooster 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 basic combo!