If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful side dish that can instantly brighten up any meal, look no further than this Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of crisp red cabbage, zesty peppers, and fresh herbs all tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing that combines ginger, sesame, and honey into a harmonious flavor explosion. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, mixing it into tacos, or simply enjoying it on its own, this slaw is fresh, colorful, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is all it takes to create this memorable Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe. Each component plays a special role in delivering the perfect balance of crunchy texture, sweet-spicy notes, and refreshing brightness that defines this dish.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Acts as the neutral base for the dressing, allowing other flavors to shine.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Adds acidity that wakes up the palate and brightens the slaw.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with a nutty, aromatic character that is signature to Asian flavors.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Provides a zesty warmth and a punchy freshness that lifts the whole recipe.
- 2 teaspoon honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tang and spice beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle saltiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- ½ head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups): The vibrant base of this slaw, offering crispness and stunning color.
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup): Adds mild sharpness and a touch of freshness.
- 2 carrots, shredded (about ½ cup): Provides sweetness and an inviting orange contrast.
- 1 medium poblano pepper, finely chopped (about ½ cup): Offers gentle heat with a smoky undertone.
- 1 jalapeño, minced (about 1 tablespoon): Delivers a sharper kick to spice lovers.
- ¼ cup roasted cashews, chopped: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped: Adds a bright herbal lift that feels effortlessly fresh.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the slaw perfectly.
How to Make Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This dressing is where the magic happens—its balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors creates the perfect finishing touch for the crunchy vegetables.
Step 2: Slice and Chop the Vegetables
Thinly slice the red cabbage to get those delicate, ribbon-like strands that are a joy to crunch on. Next, slice the green onions, shred the carrots, and finely chop the poblano pepper. Mince the jalapeño carefully depending on your heat preference. Every finely prepared vegetable contributes both texture and vibrant colors that bring this slaw to life.
Step 3: Toss the Slaw
Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the ginger sesame dressing over them, then toss everything together thoroughly. This ensures the slaw is evenly coated in the flavorful dressing and each bite bursts with that signature taste of the Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Chop the roasted cashews and fresh cilantro, then sprinkle them generously over the tossed slaw. These toppings add a delightful crunch and a fresh herbal brightness that make every forkful exciting and satisfying. Season with a little extra salt and pepper if needed, and your slaw is ready.
How to Serve Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, you can garnish your slaw with additional chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or some extra cashews. These small touches amplify both the taste and the presentation, adding that final layer of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or even spicy tofu. It’s also an excellent crunchy contrast alongside rich dishes like pulled pork or fried rice, bringing brightness and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by using this slaw as a filling for tacos, wraps, or lettuce cups. You can also serve it chilled in small bowls as a starter or side for a party. Its vibrant colors and bold flavor will impress guests and elevate any meal setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers even tastier the next day, though the cabbage will soften slightly.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing this slaw is not recommended as the texture and flavors will degrade once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term enjoyment.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you do want to serve it slightly warmer, let it come to room temperature on the counter for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute green cabbage for red cabbage?
Absolutely! Green cabbage will work just fine, though it has a milder flavor and less vibrant color than red cabbage. Both will give you that satisfying crunch and great texture.
Is this slaw vegan?
Yes, this Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or another sweetener if preferred.
How spicy will this slaw be?
The poblano adds gentle, smoky heat while the jalapeño brings a sharper kick. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño or remove it entirely depending on how much spice you like.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
What other nuts can I use instead of cashews?
Pecans, almonds, or peanuts can all be great alternatives. Just make sure to toast them lightly to get the best flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a truly delicious and colorful Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe that’s sure to become a kitchen favorite. With its perfect combination of textures and bright, balanced flavors, it’s a fresh way to elevate everyday meals or impress guests. I can’t wait for you to try this and see just how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely special!
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Asian Red Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe
This Asian Red Cabbage Slaw is a quick and easy side dish perfect for adding a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful touch to any meal. Featuring a colorful combination of red cabbage, green onions, carrots, poblano pepper, and jalapeño, it is tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Roasted cashews and fresh cilantro add an extra layer of texture and aroma, making this slaw a delightful and healthy accompaniment for sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a light salad.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Slaw
- ½ head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup)
- 2 carrots, shredded (about ½ cup)
- 1 medium poblano pepper, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 jalapeño, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ¼ cup roasted cashews, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, and salt and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Slice and shred the vegetables: Thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions. Shred the carrots and finely chop the poblano pepper. Mince the jalapeño carefully, adjusting the amount to your desired heat level.
- Combine the slaw ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, green onions, shredded carrots, chopped poblano, minced jalapeño, chopped roasted cashews, and chopped cilantro.
- Toss the slaw with dressing: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables and nuts are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the slaw and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld nicely before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier slaw, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add more minced jalapeño.
- You can substitute roasted peanuts or almonds for cashews if preferred.
- This slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- If you want a low sodium version, reduce or omit the soy sauce and use a salt alternative if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
