This refreshing and flavorful Asian slaw uses a homemade ginger peanut dressing, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro for a delicious twist on a traditional coleslaw recipe. Perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish for any meal.
Asian Slaw With Ginger Peanut Dressing
This tasty cabbage slaw combines both green and red cabbage, crunchy carrots, sweet red bell peppers, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro tossed in a sweet and savory ginger peanut dressing. The dressing is so good you will want to drink it. I love to serve this flavorful salad with crispy chicken or grilled shrimp. Whatever you serve it with, you will want to savor every bite.
Ingredients Needed
- Rice vinegar: you won’t need the whole bottle, but I use it in many recipes such as orange chicken, moo shu chicken, and Hunan chicken.
- Soy Sauce: preferably low-sodium.
- Lime: for its juice and possibly zest if you want to add a little extra flavor.
- Ginger: grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
- Sesame oil
- Peanut Butter: creamy please
- Honey: or mirin for a little sweetness. I really prefer the mirin, but it may be difficult to find. Mirin is a sweet rice wine.
- Cabbage: both green and red cabbage for color, texture, and flavor.
- Carrots: don’t forget to peel them for that bright orange color.
- Bell pepper: I love the sweet red bell pepper, but you could use an orange or yellow one if you like.
- Sesame seeds: for a little nutty crunch.
- Cilantro: fresh, of course, for all the flavor and aroma.
It Is As Simple as 1-2-3
- Whisk together the Asian dressing ingredients. This may take several minutes to make it nice and smooth.
- Combine all the Asian salad ingredients in a large bowl and toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toss the slaw with the peanut dressing and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
What to Serve with Asian Slaw
Sometimes, I just like to serve an appetizer like gyoza or classic egg rolls. My son’s favorites are egg drop soup and wonton soup. While my husband’s favorites are sesame chicken and chicken ramen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make the dressing and the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove the dressing from the fridge for about 30 minutes before tossing the salad to bring it to room temperature.
Yes, grill some chicken, shrimp, or salmon and add it to the salad. It is delicious, and you will love it.
You can omit the peanut butter and double the quantities of the remaining ingredients. It will be still be delicious.
Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Peanut Ginger Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1-2 tablespoons mirin or honey
Asian Slaw
- 8 cups shredded green and red cabbage
- 2 medium carrots peeled and julienned
- 1 red bell pepper julienned
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk the rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, sesame oil, peanut butter, and mirin . It may take several minutes to make it smooth.
- Combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Toss frequently so they do not burn. This takes 3-4 minutes. Immediately remove them from the heat.
- Toss the slaw with the peanut dressing and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
Laura S
Ooh I love this slaw. The dressing is sooooo good. Outstanding with grilled chicken.
AJ
I have never been a big slaw fan but I just may have to make an exception for this one. This looks so refreshing and tasty with all the vibrant colors and variety of nutrients!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, AJ! Enjoy!
Hariett
I made the asian slaw for the first time and I loved it! Totally agree that it is the perfect side dish.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Hariett! I am so glad that you liked it!