Discover a bold and crunchy side dish that will elevate your cooking, recipes, bon appetit moments—Spicy Sesame Coleslaw! Inspired by a beloved spicy Thai pasta salad, this coleslaw reinvents the classic with a vibrant sesame soy-honey vinaigrette, shredded cabbage, fresh herbs, and the perfect hint of heat. Whether you're prepping for summer barbecues, tacos, or a quick weekday wrap, this recipe is a game changer that’s easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
How to Make the Spicy Sesame Vinaigrette
The secret to this coleslaw’s vibrant flavor starts with the vinaigrette. Begin by gently heating 1/4 cup of toasted sesame oil with 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Heating the oil infuses it with the pepper flakes’ heat, creating a spicy base that’s far more flavorful than simply mixing the ingredients cold.
Once the oil is fragrant and infused, remove it from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons each of soy sauce and rice vinegar along with 2 tablespoons of honey. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness perfectly, creating a well-rounded vinaigrette that will coat the coleslaw beautifully.
This spicy sesame vinaigrette is the heart of the dish—aromatic, sweet, salty, and spicy all at once. Set it aside to cool while preparing the fresh ingredients.
Prepping the Fresh Vegetables
For the coleslaw base, you’ll need half a head each of green cabbage and red (or purple) cabbage. Slice each cabbage in half again, then remove the core for easy shredding. A sharp knife works wonderfully for shredding the cabbage into thin, crunchy strips, but you can also use pre-shredded cabbage, a food processor, or even a cheese grater if you prefer.
The ideal yield is about 6 cups of shredded green cabbage and between 4 to 6 cups of shredded red cabbage. The mix of colors adds visual appeal and a variety of textures to the dish.
Pro tip: To prevent soggy coleslaw if you’re prepping ahead of time, place the shredded cabbage in a colander, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for about four hours. Then rinse off the salt and pat dry. This simple step keeps your coleslaw crisp and fresh.
Adding the Crunch and Freshness
Next, shred two medium carrots and add them to the bowl. Whether you prefer thin shreds or chunkier pieces, both work well to bring a sweet crunch.
Slice up about half a cup of green onions (roughly one bunch) and mince half a cup of fresh cilantro. These fresh herbs add brightness and depth to the coleslaw’s flavor profile.
For an optional but highly recommended touch, chop up honey roasted peanuts. The honey roasted kind adds a special sweet and salty bite that complements the spicy vinaigrette perfectly. If you’re a fan of textural contrasts and extra flavor pop, don’t skip this step!
Bringing It All Together
Once your vinaigrette has cooled, drizzle it evenly over the large bowl of shredded cabbage, carrots, herbs, and peanuts. Use tongs to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with the spicy, savory dressing.
Keep in mind the coleslaw will shrink slightly as the dressing wets the cabbage, so mixing in a large bowl first is key. After tossing, transfer the coleslaw to a serving bowl if you want to present it beautifully.
Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just enough while maintaining its satisfying crunch.
A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion
This Spicy Sesame Coleslaw is a fantastic addition to any meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats at summer barbecues, adds a fresh crunch to tacos, or serves as a flavorful filling for wraps. The combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy flavors ensures it’s anything but boring.
Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, making entertaining a breeze. Just remember the salt trick to keep it from getting soggy if not served immediately.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just diving into cooking, recipes like this one are great for impressing guests or simply enjoying a fresh, healthy side at home. Bon appétit!
For those who love cooking, recipes, bon appétit moments, this Spicy Sesame Coleslaw is a must-try. It’s quick to prepare, packed with exciting flavors, and perfect for making your meals stand out.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh, spicy twist on classic coleslaw that’s sure to become a favorite!
This article was created from the video Spicy Sesame Coleslaw with the help of AI.
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