Here’s a refreshing, Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw recipe featuring a bold, tangy-sweet sesame dressing that’s truly addictive! 🥬 This slaw is crunchy, colorful, and perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, rice bowls, or even tacos.
🥗 Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing
🍽️ Servings: 6
⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes
💡 Fresh, crunchy, tangy, slightly sweet & nutty
📝 Ingredients
🔹 For the Slaw:
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (or use a pre-cut slaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional but adds brightness)
- ½ cup slivered almonds or crushed ramen noodles, toasted
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional but great crunch)
✅ You can also add thin-sliced bell pepper, cucumber, or edamame for more color or protein.
🔹 For the Addictive Sesame Dressing:
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
- 1½ tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together:
- Rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, neutral oil, ginger, garlic, and optional heat.
- Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tang.
2. Assemble the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Green and red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
3. Dress and Toss
- Pour dressing over the slaw.
- Toss well to combine.
- Let sit for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour) for flavors to meld.
4. Add Crunch & Serve
- Just before serving, toss in the toasted almonds, ramen, or sesame seeds for max crunch.
🥢 Delicious served with grilled chicken, pulled pork, tofu, or fish tacos!
🧠 FAQs
❓ Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Prep slaw and dressing separately up to 1 day in advance. Toss together 15–60 minutes before serving. Add crunchy toppings last to keep them crisp.
❓ How do I toast almonds or ramen noodles?
- Almonds: Dry toast in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 mins, stirring often.
- Ramen noodles: Break apart and toast in a dry pan or oven until golden (5–8 mins at 350°F).
❓ Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Use sunflower seeds, crispy wonton strips, or extra sesame seeds instead.
❓ Can I make it spicy?
Add:
- Extra sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Use spicy sesame oil for heat
Would you like a printable recipe, a protein add-in version (like chicken or tofu), or a low-carb variation of this slaw?