I recently had a lovely Asian coleslaw at a local grill that was served with an ahi tuna burger. This is my attempt to recreate that coleslaw, and I think I’ve come pretty close (may try my hand at the burger sometime, too). It’s super easy to put together.
What Goes Into an Asian Slaw?
The defining ingredients for an Asian slaw are cabbage, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. This version also has some peanut butter in the dressing and some twice toasted peanuts. Asian slaw, as far as we know, is not actually Asian. It’s called that because it gets its flavor from ingredients fundamental to Asian cuisines.
What Can You Serve With This Coleslaw?
Anywhere you would serve coleslaw—like alongside a sandwich or a burger—you can serve this. It works well as a light and refreshing side to fish and shrimp. So good! We had to stop eating this Asian slaw after our “test kitchen” tasting, just to save enough for dinner.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the dressing and the dry salad ingredients for this coleslaw a few days ahead of time. Keep refrigerated. Wait to toss them together and add garnishes until you’re ready to serve. Any leftovers will keep for a few days in the fridge, but the coleslaw will start to become more wilted and watery.
Love Coleslaw? Here Are a Few More
Classic Coleslaw Citrusy Cabbage Salad with Cumin and Coriander No Mayo Coleslaw Cabbage and Kale Slaw with Caraway Ranch Dressing Fennel Slaw with Mint Vinaigrette
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil 4 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (if seasoned rice vinegar is not available, add a teaspoon or two of sugar to regular rice vinegar)
For the salad:
8 cups thinly sliced cabbage (napa, green, purple, or a combination) 1 cup grated carrots 1/2 cup toasted, salted, shelled, peeled peanuts
For garnish (optional):
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 thinly sliced green onions or chives
Depending on how you like your dressing, how salty your peanut butter is, how seasoned your rice vinegar is, you may want to add a little more vinegar, a little more sugar, or a little salt. (Makes about 3/4 cup of dressing.) Heat a small skillet on medium high heat and add the nuts to the pan. Do not ignore or the nuts can easily burn. Stir a little with a wooden spoon until the peanuts begin to get browned in spots and you can smell the toasting aromas. Remove peanuts from pan to a dish. Right before serving, mix in the dressing.
