Asian Style Slaw
I still remember the first time I had an Asian-style slaw at a local restaurant. The combination of crunchy vegetables, sweet and sour dressing, and the burst of fresh herbs was a game-changer for me. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to your favorite sandwiches, or use it as a topping for salads and bowls. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking, making it a great option for hot summer days or quick weeknight meals.
As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. This Asian Style Slaw recipe checks all those boxes, and I'm excited to share it with you.
Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients, from different types of cabbage to various nuts and seeds. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find yourself making this slaw again and again.
So, let's get started and make this amazing Asian Style Slaw together! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be enjoying a fresh, healthy, and delicious side dish in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days or quick weeknight meals.
- The slaw is versatile and can be served as a side dish, added to sandwiches, or used as a topping for salads and bowls.
- You can customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients, from different types of cabbage to various nuts and seeds.
- The dressing is made with healthy ingredients and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- The slaw is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and fiber, making it a healthy and nutritious option.
- You can make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making it a great option for meal prep.
- The recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are easily accessible at most grocery stores.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to a great Asian-style slaw is the balance of flavors and textures. You want a combination of crunchy and soft, sweet and sour, and spicy and mild. To achieve this, I use a mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, which provide a nice crunch and a pop of color.
The dressing is where the magic happens. I use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey to create a sweet and sour flavor profile. The soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor, while the rice vinegar provides a nice acidity. The honey balances out the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
I also add some grated ginger and garlic to the dressing for an extra boost of flavor. The ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor, while the garlic provides a pungency that complements the other ingredients.
Finally, I top the slaw with some toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or scallions. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor, while the herbs provide a fresh and fragrant flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Asian Style Slaw, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a variety of seasonings. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores, and you may already have some of them in your pantry.
When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh and crisp produce, and choose a variety of colors to add visual appeal to the slaw. You can also customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients, so don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.
- 2 cups (200g) shredded napa cabbageNapa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage that is mild in flavor and crunchy in texture. You can find it in most grocery stores, or substitute it with regular cabbage if needed.
- 1 cup (100g) grated carrotsCarrots add a sweet and crunchy element to the slaw. You can use a food processor or a box grater to grate them.
- 1 cup (100g) sliced red bell peppersRed bell peppers add a pop of color and a sweet flavor to the slaw. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red is the most traditional.
- 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh and fragrant flavor to the slaw. You can use scallions or parsley as a substitute if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauceSoy sauce is a salty and umami-rich seasoning that adds depth to the slaw. You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute if needed.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) rice vinegarRice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds a nice balance to the slaw. You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute if needed.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honeyHoney adds a touch of sweetness to the slaw and balances out the flavors. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute if needed.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh gingerGinger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the slaw. You can use ground ginger as a substitute if needed, but fresh is preferred.
- 1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the slaw and adds a touch of savory flavor. You can use any type of salt you like, but kosher salt is preferred.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the slaw and enhances the flavors. You can use any type of pepper you like, but black pepper is preferred.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped toasted sesame seedsSesame seeds add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor to the slaw. You can toast them in a dry pan or in the oven if needed.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the slaw and complements the other ingredients. You can use more or less garlic to taste, depending on your preference.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Asian Style Slaw
- 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced bell peppers.
- 2In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 3Add the minced garlic to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
- 4Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the slaw is well coated.
- 5Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the slaw and toss again to combine.
- 6Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or honey to taste.
- 7Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 8Just before serving, give the slaw a good toss and adjust the seasoning again if needed.
- 9Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.
- 10You can store the slaw in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best served fresh.
- 11If you want to make the slaw ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then toss it with the cabbage mixture just before serving.
- 12You can also customize the slaw with your favorite ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped nuts, to add more texture and flavor.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh and crisp produce to make the slaw, as it will make a big difference in the flavor and texture.
- Don't over-dress the slaw, as it can make it soggy and unappetizing. You can always add more dressing, but it's harder to remove excess dressing.
- Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will help the slaw to be more flavorful and refreshing.
- You can customize the slaw with your favorite ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped nuts, to add more texture and flavor.
- If you're serving the slaw at a party or gathering, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Consider using a variety of colors to add visual appeal to the slaw, such as red and green cabbage, or orange and yellow bell peppers.
- You can also add some heat to the slaw by adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the dressing.
- If you're looking for a vegan version of the slaw, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using fresh and crisp produce, which can make the slaw soggy and unappetizing.
- Over-dressing the slaw, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
- Not letting the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Not customizing the slaw with your favorite ingredients, which can make it more flavorful and refreshing.
- Not storing the slaw in the fridge until ready to serve, which can cause it to become soggy and unappetizing.
- Not using the right type of vinegar, which can affect the flavor and texture of the slaw.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add diced apples or chopped nuts to the slaw for extra texture and flavor.
- Use different types of cabbage, such as red or green cabbage, to add more color and flavor to the slaw.
- Add some heat to the slaw by adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the dressing.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to make a vegan version of the slaw.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the slaw for extra flavor and freshness.
- Use a variety of colors to add visual appeal to the slaw, such as red and green cabbage, or orange and yellow bell peppers.
- Make a spicy version of the slaw by adding more garlic or ginger to the dressing.
What to Serve With Asian Style Slaw
This Asian Style Slaw is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, added to sandwiches, or used as a topping for salads and bowls. You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it more flavorful and refreshing.
Some ideas for serving the slaw include:
Serving it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries or noodle dishes.
Adding it to sandwiches, such as banh mi or burgers, for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
Using it as a topping for salads and bowls, such as a kale salad or a quinoa bowl.
Serving it as a snack or appetizer, paired with your favorite dips or spreads.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Asian Style Slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best served fresh. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then toss it with the cabbage mixture just before serving.
To store the slaw, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to serve. You can also store it in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
If you want to freeze the slaw, you can do so by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to serve.
When reheating the slaw, you can simply toss it with a little more dressing and serve it chilled. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to give it a boost of flavor.
Some tips for storing and reheating the slaw include:
Using an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy or unappetizing.
Labeling the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.
Storing the slaw in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below, to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
Reheating the slaw to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), to ensure food safety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
Napa cabbage is the best type of cabbage for this recipe, as it is mild in flavor and crunchy in texture. You can also use regular cabbage, but Napa cabbage is preferred.
Can I use different types of vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of vinegar in this recipe, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. However, rice vinegar is the most traditional and preferred type of vinegar for this recipe.
How long can I store this slaw in the fridge?
You can store this slaw in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best served fresh. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then toss it with the cabbage mixture just before serving.
Can I freeze this slaw?
Yes, you can freeze this slaw by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to serve.
What are some variations I can make to this recipe?
Some variations you can make to this recipe include adding diced apples or chopped nuts, using different types of cabbage, or adding some heat to the slaw by adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the dressing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use vegan-friendly seasonings and sauces to make the recipe more suitable for a vegan diet.
What are some serving suggestions for this slaw?
Some serving suggestions for this slaw include serving it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, adding it to sandwiches, or using it as a topping for salads and bowls.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the dressing and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then tossing it with the cabbage mixture just before serving.
What are some tips for storing and reheating this slaw?
Some tips for storing and reheating this slaw include using an airtight container or freezer bag, labeling the container or bag with the date and contents, and reheating the slaw to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety and quality.

Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) shredded napa cabbage
- 1 cup (100g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (100g) sliced red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30g) rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped toasted sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced bell peppers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the minced garlic to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the slaw is well coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the slaw and toss again to combine.
- Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or honey to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, give the slaw a good toss and adjust the seasoning again if needed.
- Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.
- You can store the slaw in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best served fresh.
- If you want to make the slaw ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then toss it with the cabbage mixture just before serving.
- You can also customize the slaw with your favorite ingredients, such as diced apples or chopped nuts, to add more texture and flavor.