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This Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw is more than just a colorful side—it’s a refreshing, nutrient-rich powerhouse perfect for everyday meals.
What sets this slaw apart is its incredibly flavorful yet light dressing made with toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, and rice vinegar.
The combination of cabbage, cilantro, and scallions delivers a delightful crunch and brightness, while offering impressive health benefits.
Cabbage is naturally high in fiber, low in carbs, and rich in antioxidants.
The recipe is completely plant-based, heart-healthy, and free from saturated fats, making it a smart choice for clean eating.
With only 179 calories per cup, it fits seamlessly into low-calorie meal plans.
This slaw shines as a quick-prep side or as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grain bowls.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this no-cook, 20-minute dish is a flavorful, versatile staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner
Effortlessly dries shredded cabbage and other slaw veggies, ensuring your slaw stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy. A must for any kitchen that loves fresh produce prep.
Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
Makes shredding cabbage a breeze with uniform slices. Safer and quicker than a knife, it’s a game-changer for prepping slaws, salads, and veggie chips.
Microplane Premium Classic Zester/Grater
Ideal for grating fresh ginger and garlic directly into the dressing. Adds intense, fresh flavor with minimal effort—essential for zesty Asian-style recipes.
OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Whisk
Perfect for emulsifying the Asian slaw dressing evenly. Durable and ergonomic, it’s also great for sauces, batters, and eggs.
Pyrex 8-Cup Glass Mixing Bowl with Lid
Mix and store your slaw in one bowl. Its generous size is great for tossing large salads and the lid makes leftovers easy to store and transport.
Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing slaw ingredients evenly
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl – For whisking dressing
- 1 Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife – To shred cabbage
- 1 Whisk or Fork – To mix the dressing
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set – For precise ingredient portions
- 1 Microplane or Grater – For fresh ginger and garlic
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 6 to 7 cups finely shredded green or napa cabbage approx. 2 to 2¼ pounds
- 3 scallions thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped (or substitute with Italian parsley)
For the Asian Sesame Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste
- ¼ cup rice vinegar unseasoned preferred
- 3 tablespoons sweetener of choice maple syrup, honey, sugar, or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or gluten-free substitute like tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
- 1 small garlic clove grated (optional, for bold flavor)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or a small amount of chili paste optional for heat
Optional Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed roasted peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by finely shredding the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced scallions and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently to combine the base of your slaw.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweetener of choice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic (if using). Stir in the salt and chili flakes or paste if you’d like a hint of spice. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness, salt, or sesame oil to suit your preference.
- Dress and Toss the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using tongs or clean hands, toss the slaw thoroughly until every strand of cabbage is coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly soften the cabbage.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Transfer the slaw to a serving platter or bowl. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts/cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to replace a portion of the cabbage with shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli slaw, or even shaved Brussels sprouts for added texture and color.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This slaw keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead option for meal prep, potlucks, or summer cookouts.
- Control the Heat: Omit chili flakes or chili paste for a mild flavor, or increase the amount for a spicy kick.
- Use What You Have: Ginger and garlic paste are convenient alternatives if you’re short on fresh ingredients.
Chef’s Secrets for Great Results
The secret to a standout Asian slaw lies in the texture and balance of flavor.
Start by using freshly shredded cabbage rather than pre-cut bags for maximum crunch and freshness.
A mandoline slicer is incredibly helpful here—it produces even, fine slices that absorb the dressing beautifully.
When making the dressing, always start with less sesame oil and build it up; toasted sesame oil can quickly overpower a dish.
Fresh ginger adds brightness, and a touch of garlic gives the slaw a savory backbone—but if you’re not a fan of bold garlic, it’s completely optional.
For best flavor development, let the dressed slaw sit for 10–15 minutes before serving; this allows the vinegar to slightly tenderize the cabbage while enhancing the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
This versatile slaw pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes across different cuisines.
Serve it as a zesty side to grilled chicken, baked tofu, or crispy fish fillets.
It’s especially tasty when tucked into tacos, added to rice or noodle bowls, or layered inside sandwiches and burgers for an extra crunch.
You can also top off a poke bowl or Vietnamese-style spring roll platter with this slaw for vibrant color and fresh contrast.
Want to make it a light main? Add shelled edamame, chopped avocado, or grilled shrimp for a protein boost.
It’s equally at home at casual cookouts or elegant dinner spreads thanks to its simple yet flavorful profile.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
This slaw stores impressively well, making it ideal for meal prep.
After tossing the cabbage with dressing, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3–4 days.
If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider storing the slaw and dressing separately and combining them just before serving.
This approach helps retain maximum texture, especially if you’re prepping a few days in advance.
Avoid freezing, as the cabbage will become limp and watery once thawed.
If using nuts or seeds for garnish, always add them just before serving to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can! While fresh cabbage yields better crunch and flavor, pre-shredded coleslaw mix works well for convenience. Just be sure it’s fresh and free of extra dressing or added ingredients.
2. Is this slaw suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This slaw can be made ahead and keeps well in the fridge for several days. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to preserve texture.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari, coconut aminos, or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Try adding grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or edamame to transform this slaw into a hearty, well-balanced main dish. A handful of chopped nuts can also boost the protein content.
5. How spicy is this slaw?
The base recipe is mild, with optional chili flakes or paste for a subtle heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level up or down based on your preference—or skip it entirely for a kid-friendly version.
This recipe is inspired by feastingathome and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.