This no-fuss Easy Asian Slaw comes together in just minutes, making it the perfect last-minute side dish. With a savory, sweet, and tangy flavor, this slaw will complement a variety of dishes at your next barbecue or potluck.
Looking for a quick and delicious recipe to impress your family and friends? This Easy Asian Slaw will have everyone asking for the recipe at your next picnic, potluck, or dinner party.
It’s crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavor, offering the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of heat.
While you may need a few ingredients outside of your regular pantry staples, I promise it’s worth it. So, let’s get started and whip up this easy, crave-worthy slaw!
Why You’ll Love Asian Slaw:
This Asian Slaw is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it’s so easy and quick. In just 10 minutes, you can have a fresh, crunchy side dish ready to go—perfect for when you need something last-minute but still full of flavor.
The cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, and with all the fresh veggies, it’s a great way to sneak more greens into your meals.
What I love about this slaw is how versatile it is. It’s not just for Asian-inspired dishes—it pairs beautifully with so many meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled salmon, tacos, or BBQ, it’s the perfect complement.
It also gets better the longer it sits. That makes it a fantastic make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or just prepping for the week. The flavors really marinate and meld together, so it’s a great option when you need something that holds up well.
Ingredients for Easy Asian Slaw
- Coleslaw Mix: A convenient blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that forms the crunchy base of this slaw.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing. Both seasoned and mild varieties work well.
- Neutral Oil: Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and binds the dressing. Canola or vegetable oil are great options.
- Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty depth of flavor that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the tang and spice.
- Garlic & Ginger: Bring warmth and bold flavor to the dressing. Use fresh for the best results, but powdered substitutes work in a pinch.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of heat to the dressing. Adjust to your spice preference or substitute with Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhance all the other flavors, ensuring a well-balanced slaw.
Optional Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and versatile it is. If you want to take it to the next level, consider adding some of these delicious extras:
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toast 3–4 tablespoons of sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant.
- Thinly Sliced Scallions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: Brings a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: Thinly slice and chop into bite-sized pieces for added crunch and sweetness.
- Shredded Carrots: Bagged shredded carrots work perfectly for extra color and texture.
Modifications & Substitutions:
- Honey Substitution: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar works as a substitute.
- Oil Substitution: Swap canola oil with vegetable, peanut, or safflower oil for a different taste.
- Ginger Options: For a fresher flavor, use fresh ginger (1 tablespoon minced) instead of ground ginger.
- Garlic Variations: Use minced garlic in a jar or garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon) if you don’t have fresh garlic.
- Chili Paste Substitute: If you don’t have chili paste, Sriracha or red pepper flakes can work as an alternative.
How to Store Easy Asian Slaw:
- Refrigeration: This slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, this dish is best enjoyed within a day or two.
- Freezing: Freezing this slaw is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage may change once thawed.
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Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz bag of coleslaw mix (6 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon rice vinegar seasoned
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, canola or vegetable
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon honey, substitute maple syrup or equal parts granulated sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger, substitute 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, adjust to taste
- pinch black pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce, substitute red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup red pepper, thinly sliced and in bite size pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, neutral oil, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, pepper, and chili sauce until well combined.
- Toss the slaw: In a large bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with the prepared dressing until evenly coated. Allow the slaw to rest for at least 15 minutes, but ideally 1 hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add-ins and Serve: Before serving, mix in the optional add-ins, such as toasted sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro, and red bell pepper for added texture and flavor.This slaw is best served the same day, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan-friendly version, substitute honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
- Add-Ins for Extra Crunch:
- Feel free to get creative with add-ins like crunchy peanuts or sliced radishes for added texture and flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds can add a nutty finish, and cilantro enhances the dish with freshness.
