Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing side dish bursting with fresh vegetables and a rich, addictive sesame dressing. Perfect for adding a crisp, colorful crunch to your meals, it combines simple ingredients into an irresistible salad that’s both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
• 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned into matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional but recommended)
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil (pure, not toasted)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tahini

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the napa cabbage into thin ribbons against the grain for optimal crunch. Place it in a large bowl, lightly sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Julienne the carrot into matchsticks. Slice the purple cabbage slightly thicker, and cut the red bell pepper into thin, uniform strips.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until smooth. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tahini. Whisk continuously to create a creamy, well-emulsified dressing.
4. Step 4: Drain and pat dry the napa cabbage to remove excess moisture. Combine all prepared vegetables in a large bowl, pour the dressing over them, and gently fold to coat the slaw without bruising the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the slaw, reserving some for garnish. Toss lightly once more and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use white wine vinegar as a substitute for rice vinegar if needed.
• For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup.
• Toast your own sesame seeds and peanuts to enhance their flavor.
• Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.

Storage

Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving. If mixed, the vegetables may soften slightly overnight but will still be delicious. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular green cabbage instead of napa cabbage?

Yes, regular green cabbage can be used, but napa cabbage offers a milder flavor and more tender texture that complements the other ingredients better.

How can I make the dressing thicker?

Adding a little more tahini or whisking the dressing longer will help create a thicker, creamier consistency that clings nicely to the vegetables.

Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw features a vibrant mix of napa and purple cabbage, crisp vegetables, and a luscious, addictive sesame dressing. Toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts add a delightful nutty crunch, making it a perfect refreshing side or light meal that bursts with authentic Asian-inspired flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

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For the Slaw:

• 1 medium head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
• 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned into matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional but recommended)

For the Addictive Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil (pure, not toasted)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (substitute: white wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon honey (substitute: maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon tahini

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Vegetables Like a Pro: Slice the napa cabbage into thin ribbons using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cutting against the grain for ideal crunch. Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl, lightly salt it, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Create the Flavor Foundation: Julienne the carrot into matchsticks for texture contrast. Slice the purple cabbage slightly thicker to keep vibrant color and texture. Cut the red bell pepper into thin, uniform strips for even distribution.
3. Craft the Addictive Sesame Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until emulsified. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes while whisking to avoid tahini clumping. Incorporate tahini last to form a creamy, clingy dressing.
4. Combine and Toss with Precision: Drain excess liquid from cabbage and pat dry with paper towels. Add all prepared vegetables to the napa cabbage bowl. Pour dressing over vegetables and fold gently to coat every strand, preserving the vegetables’ delicate texture.
5. Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the slaw, reserving a little for garnish. Toss once more, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt in the dish.
• Gently folding the slaw prevents bruising and maintains crispness.
• Toasting your own sesame seeds enhances nutty flavor if not store-bought.
• Optional peanuts add extra crunch but can be omitted for nut allergies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Asian cabbage slaw, sesame dressing, crunchy salad, vegan option, no-cook salad, healthy side dish, easy Asian recipe