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 the whole lot I’ve ever wished in a coleslaw. It’s gentle, completely crunchy, and tremendous flavorful.

For extra tasty coleslaw recipes, attempt our straightforward Classic Coleslaw.

Who says coleslaw needs to be boring? We discover that coleslaw is usually the facet that will get uncared for, particularly in terms of fried rooster 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 that to make use of toasted sesame oil for its distinct, intense taste.
• Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: These add only a trace of warmth. Double it if you wish to deliver extra warmth, or go away it out completely in case 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: Crimson and inexperienced cabbage are used for colour and variation. Thinly slice.
• Shredded Carrots: For a candy, earthy style.
• Cilantro: It is 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 slightly delicate onion chew.
• Honey Roasted Peanuts: We love the crunch of peanuts, however in case 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 might water down your dressing over time. In case you’re making coleslaw upfront or need to hold leftovers crisp, this easy trick helps loads.

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: On the lookout for slightly extra warmth? Double the quantity of purple 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 Options

Coleslaw is a good 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 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 slightly crunch and slightly 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!