Experience an explosion of flavor and texture with this incredible Asian Slaw recipe. Featuring a deliciously creamy dressing that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes, and a satisfying crunch in every single bite, this slaw is guaranteed to become a new favorite!
Irresistibly Creamy Asian Slaw: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with this Creamy Asian Slaw recipe! It’s not just remarkably easy to prepare and incredibly creamy; it’s also wonderfully customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences. Whether you enjoy a mild, tangy dressing or crave a bolder kick of spice, this recipe has you covered. Everyone who tries this slaw raves about its unique and vibrant flavors, along with its delightful crunch – a refreshing change from many traditional coleslaws.
Why You’ll Adore This Asian Slaw
This Asian Slaw isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience. Here’s why it stands out and why it’s perfect for any occasion:
- Unmatched Flavor Profile: The dressing masterfully blends the richness of mayonnaise with the bright tang of rice wine vinegar, the subtle heat of sweet chili sauce and sriracha, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the aromatic warmth of fresh ginger and garlic. It’s a symphony of sweet, salty, sour, and umami.
- Sensational Texture: Forget soggy coleslaw! This recipe champions crunch. With crisp cabbage, tender green onions, crunchy toasted almonds, and crispy chow mein noodles, every forkful offers a satisfying textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this slaw is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Most ingredients are readily available, making it a stress-free addition to your meal plan.
- Highly Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation for experimentation. Adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or incorporate a protein to transform it into a light main course.
- Versatile Pairing: Whether you’re grilling, hosting a potluck, or simply looking for a fresh side to your weeknight dinner, this Asian Slaw complements a wide array of dishes, from grilled meats to Asian-inspired entrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Slaw
Toasting almonds is a simple step that significantly enhances their flavor and aroma, adding an extra layer of nutty depth to your slaw. Don’t let any apprehension hold you back! Start by placing the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. It’s crucial to stir them frequently to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Stay close to your skillet throughout this process, as almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. They are done when they achieve a light golden brown color and release a fragrant, nutty aroma. Immediately remove them from the hot pan once finished to stop the cooking process and prevent them from over-toasting.
Absolutely! Adding some diced cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, or even pan-fried tofu would be a fantastic way to elevate this Asian Slaw from a side dish to a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy dressing and crisp vegetables provide a perfect base for a lean protein, making it a delicious and healthy lunch or light dinner option.
Yes, with a slight caveat. This slaw benefits greatly from chilling for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully with the vegetables. You can certainly make the dressing and the slaw base (cabbage, green onions, almonds) a few hours ahead of time. However, to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy, I highly recommend not mixing the dressing with the cabbage mixture until the day you plan to serve it. Also, crucial for maintaining that delightful crunch, the chow mein noodles and sesame seeds should only be added right before serving. This ensures maximum crispness and enjoyment.
Leftover Asian Slaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will retain its quality for up to 3 days, though the crunchiness of the vegetables may diminish slightly over time. Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this slaw. The high water content in the cabbage and the mayonnaise-based dressing will not fare well after thawing, resulting in a watery, mushy texture that detracts from the slaw’s appeal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Asian Slaw
Crafting this flavorful Asian slaw requires a harmonious blend of fresh produce and pantry staples. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each ingredient:
- Mayonnaise: The base of our rich and creamy dressing. For an extra authentic and richer flavor, consider using Kewpie Mayo, a Japanese mayonnaise known for its distinct umami profile. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used in part, but it will alter the classic creamy texture slightly.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: This vinegar offers a milder, slightly sweeter acidity compared to distilled white vinegar. It’s perfect for balancing the sweetness and richness of the dressing. If rice wine vinegar is unavailable, white distilled vinegar can be used, but you might want to start with a little less and adjust to taste, as it can have a stronger, sharper taste. Seasoned rice wine vinegar is often preferred for its balanced flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient adds a wonderful combination of sweetness and a gentle hint of heat. It’s widely available in the international aisle of most grocery stores, usually found near the soy sauce. If you prefer to omit the heat entirely, you can substitute with additional honey or a touch more sugar.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy and spicy elements of the dressing. Agave syrup or granulated sugar can be used as alternatives, adjusting the quantity based on your desired sweetness level.
- Soy Sauce: Essential for imparting a deep umami flavor and savory depth. A lite or low-sodium soy sauce can be used to control the sodium content without compromising on taste. Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended here, as it truly makes the dressing shine with its pungent, aromatic notes. While jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute, be aware that it sometimes carries a tangier flavor that might slightly alter the overall balance of the dressing when combined with the other ingredients.
- Sriracha: For those who appreciate a touch of heat, sriracha adds a pleasant spicy kick. The amount can be easily adjusted or omitted entirely if you prefer a milder slaw.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: Provides a bright, zesty, and slightly pungent warmth that is characteristic of Asian-inspired dishes. For convenience, many grocery stores offer squeezable tubes of ginger paste, which work just as well as fresh ginger in this recipe.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that ties all the Asian elements together. If you find the flavor too strong or if you don’t have it on hand, olive oil can be used as a neutral substitute, though you’ll miss the characteristic sesame note.
- Cole Slaw Mix: A convenient shortcut! A bagged cole slaw mix (typically green cabbage and carrots) works perfectly. Alternatively, you can shred your own blend of cabbage (green, red, or napa) for a fresher, custom base.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions (scallions) add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of fresh green color. Chives could also be used for a slightly more delicate flavor.
- Toasted Sliced Almonds, Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles, & Sesame Seeds: These are the stars for texture! Toasted almonds provide a nutty crunch, chow mein noodles offer a unique crispy bite, and sesame seeds add a delicate nuttiness and visual appeal. Feel free to customize these toppings based on your preferences; you can add cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds, or omit any you don’t like.
Simple Steps to Making Perfect Asian Slaw
Creating this delightful Asian Slaw is a breeze. Follow these easy steps to achieve a dish bursting with flavor and satisfying crunch:
Prepare the Creamy Asian Dressing:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha (if using), freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.
Combine the Slaw Base:
In a separate large mixing bowl, add the cole slaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, and the toasted sliced almonds. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure they are well distributed.
Dress the Slaw:
Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the cole slaw mixture. Using tongs or large spoons, mix everything well, ensuring all the cabbage, green onions, and almonds are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill for Flavor Development:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This crucial step allows the flavors of the dressing to meld and fully infuse the vegetables, significantly enhancing the overall taste of the slaw. Trust us, this chilling time makes a big difference!
Serve with Crunchy Toppings:
Just before serving, give the slaw a quick stir. Then, top generously with crunchy chow mein noodles, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and additional sliced green onions for garnish and extra fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Asian Slaw
- Freshness is Key: While bagged slaw mix is convenient, ensure your green onions, garlic, and ginger are fresh for the most vibrant flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Before chilling, taste the dressing and the mixed slaw. Adjust honey for sweetness, sriracha for heat, or rice wine vinegar for tanginess according to your preference.
- Don’t Rush the Chill: The 1-hour chilling time isn’t just for cooling; it’s essential for the flavors to fully develop and marry.
- Keep Toppings Separate: Always add the crunchy elements like chow mein noodles and extra sesame seeds right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Crunch: Besides almonds and chow mein noodles, consider adding toasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds for different nutty flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This versatile Creamy Asian Slaw is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. Its refreshing crunch and bold flavors make it an excellent choice for:
- Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even steak for a light and flavorful contrast.
- Asian-Inspired Dishes: It’s a natural fit alongside stir-fries, sesame chicken, lemon chicken, or beef and broccoli.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a scoop to pulled pork sandwiches or chicken wraps for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture.
- Picnics and Potlucks: It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well (just remember to add crunchy toppings at the site!).
- Fish and Seafood: The tangy dressing complements baked or grilled fish and shrimp beautifully.
- Light Lunch: Transform it into a fulfilling lunch by adding grilled chicken strips, cooked shrimp, or edamame.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Creamy Asian Slaw, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
- Marinated Cole Slaw
- Southern Cole Slaw
- Easy Asian Lemon Chicken
- Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Easy Sesame Chicken
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
- Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
Asian Slaw
This recipe for Asian Slaw has the most delicious creamy dressing with the perfect amount of seasoning, a touch of sweetness, and just enough crunch with every bite!
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the slaw:
- 16 ounce bag cole slaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
For serving:
- crunchy chow mein noodles
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Instructions
For the dressing, in a bowl, add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 teaspoons sriracha, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger and 1 teaspoon sesame oil and whisk together until fully combined.
In a separate large bowl, add 16 ounce bag cole slaw mix, 4 green onions, thinly sliced, and 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds and toss together.
Pour the dressing over the cole slaw ingredients and mix well to coat.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend. Trust me, don’t skip this step, it makes a big difference.
Serve topped with crunchy chow mein noodles, sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 10g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 16g |
Sodium: 295mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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