Asian Slaw Recipe: A Flavorful and Refreshing Side Dish
This Asian slaw recipe is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. It's packed with fresh vegetables, a tangy dressing, and a delightful crunch that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables and ingredients!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a generous serving, enough for about 6-8 people as a side dish.
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For the Slaw:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
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For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious Asian slaw:
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Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all the vegetables. Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne or shred the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper. Chop the cilantro and green onions. Having your veggies prepped will make the process much smoother.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined. The dressing is the star of the show, so make sure it's perfectly blended.
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Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as you want to preserve the crispness of the vegetables.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best flavor profile; the slaw will taste even better after chilling! Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Asian Slaw:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded red cabbage, shredded kohlrabi, or chopped cucumbers.
- Make it Ahead: This slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will actually deepen over time!
- Serving Suggestions: This Asian slaw is delicious as a side dish to grilled meats, Asian-inspired dishes, or even as a topping for tacos or burritos.
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Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Asian slaw! Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!
