If you are craving something crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, you are going to love this Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe. It’s a bright medley of fresh cabbage, carrots, and herbs tossed in a perfectly balanced sesame dressing that is sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy. The textures are wonderfully crunchy, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether as a side dish or a light main, this slaw is incredibly refreshing and incredibly easy to whip up in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a slaw that dazzles with every bite. Each component adds its own punch — from the crisp cabbage and sweet carrots to the savory-sweet dressing that brings it all to life, every part plays an important role in the overall flavor and texture.
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple or a mix of both): This provides a crunchy, fresh base that’s full of color and nutrients.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a mild onion flavor with a hint of sharpness to contrast the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped (optional): Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the overall aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Enhances the sesame flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch on top.
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish): Offers a nutty crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dressing that adds umami depth.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle tang that brightens and balances the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to counterbalance the acidity and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a rich, toasty flavor that defines the dressing’s character.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Provides a smooth mouthfeel and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Injects warmth and a slight zing that awakens the palate.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Lends pungency and depth to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional): Adds heat and a punch of bold flavor for those who like it spicy.
How to Make Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
Start by shredding your cabbage and carrots finely — this helps them absorb the dressing beautifully while maintaining their signature crunch. Chop the green onions and cilantro to add bursts of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Combine all of these into a large mixing bowl, giving you a base that’s both vibrant and texturally satisfying.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, vegetable oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce until everything is smooth and emulsified. This dressing packs a punch of flavor—sweetness, saltiness, a little heat, and a distinctly nutty undertone. The balance here is what makes this recipe addictive.
Step 3: Toss the Slaw with the Dressing
Pour the freshly made sesame dressing over the bowl of shredded vegetables. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every shred and shred of cabbage and carrot is lightly coated with that incredible dressing. This step is key to delivering flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Garnish and Marinate
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and roasted peanuts atop for an extra layer of crunch and nutty goodness. You can serve the slaw immediately for maximum freshness, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes — this short marination lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the vibrant texture intact.
How to Serve Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and add a final burst of flavor, garnish your slaw with a sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts. If you enjoy a little more kick, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce can add exciting heat. Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top also brighten the look and taste.
Side Dishes
This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken, beef, or pork, making it the perfect crunchy counterpoint to smoky and savory dishes. It also complements Asian-inspired main courses like teriyaki salmon, dumplings, or fried rice. For a vegetarian twist, serve alongside crispy tofu or veggie stir-fry.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the slaw in individual small bowls or parfait glasses layered with slices of avocado or mango for extra freshness. Another fun idea is to use the slaw as a vibrant filling for lettuce wraps or tacos, adding a crunchy, flavorful dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and crunch. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but the vegetables may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
This particular slaw is not ideal for freezing because the fresh cabbage and carrots will lose their crispness and texture once thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh if possible.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Just give it a good toss before serving if it has been chilled for a while to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this slaw?
Absolutely! Green, purple, Napa, or even savoy cabbage work beautifully in this recipe. Mixing varieties adds lovely color and slight differences in texture.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use toasted peanut oil or a mild olive oil, but keep in mind the nutty sesame flavor is key to the dressing’s signature taste.
Is this slaw gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to check the label.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The sesame dressing can be whisked together and stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week. Just stir well before tossing with the slaw.
How spicy is the slaw?
The spice level depends on how much chili garlic sauce or sriracha you add. You can easily adjust it to your taste by adding more or less, or leaving it out completely for a mild flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe has become a favorite for good reason — it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weekday meal or impress at your next gathering, this slaw brings color, texture, and bold flavor together effortlessly. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to dish time and time again.
Print
Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Addictive Sesame Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw is a quick and vibrant side dish featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions tossed in a flavorful, addictive sesame dressing. Garnished with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, this refreshing slaw combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a hint of spice, making it perfect for a light lunch, summer picnic, or as a complement to grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves (optional)
Sesame Dressing
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro if using. Toss them together to evenly mix the vegetables.
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, vegetable oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce or sriracha if you want some heat. Ensure the dressing is well combined and smooth.
- Toss Slaw with Dressing: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the cabbage and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly so that each shred of cabbage is coated evenly with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the slaw with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts for added texture and crunch, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate and deepen before serving.
Notes
- This slaw is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce quantity according to your spice preference.
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to shred the cabbage finely for better texture.
- You can substitute peanuts with cashews or almonds for garnish.
