Crunchy Asian Sesame Slaw

Section: Fresh and Flavorful

This vibrant Asian slaw combines napa and purple cabbage with colorful vegetables, all tossed in an irresistible sesame dressing. The creamy blend of sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and tahini creates the perfect balance of nutty, tangy flavors that coat every crunchy bite. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this nutritional powerhouse delivers impressive amounts of vitamins C and K. The toasted sesame seeds and optional peanuts add delightful texture and enhance the Asian-inspired flavor profile. For best results, let it marinate briefly before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

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Last updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:46:12 GMT
A large pile of crunchy Asian cabbage salad. Bookmark
A large pile of crunchy Asian cabbage salad. | yumloop.com

This hearty Asian cabbage slaw has become my go-to dish for adding vibrant flavors and crunch to weeknight meals. The addictive sesame dressing transforms simple cabbage into something extraordinary that disappears quickly at every gathering.

I first created this slaw when looking for something fresh to serve alongside grilled salmon. Now my family requests it weekly, and friends always ask for the recipe after tasting it at potlucks.

Ingredients

  • Napa cabbage creates the perfect delicate crunch base for this slaw. Look for heads that feel heavy for their size with crisp leaves.
  • Purple cabbage adds stunning color contrast and a slightly more robust texture. Choose dense heads with vibrant color.
  • Carrot provides natural sweetness and beautiful color. Select firm carrots with bright orange hue.
  • Red bell pepper contributes sweet crispness and visual appeal. Look for glossy skin and firm feel.
  • Green onions deliver mild onion flavor without overpowering. Choose ones with bright green tops.
  • Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish with herbal notes. Look for vibrant bunches without wilting.
  • Toasted sesame seeds add nutty depth and visual interest. Toasting them yourself releases maximum flavor.
  • Roasted peanuts create textural contrast and satisfying crunch. Unsalted varieties let you control the salt level.
  • Sesame oil forms the aromatic base of the dressing. Pure rather than toasted variety works best here.
  • Rice vinegar provides gentle acidity. Natural rice vinegar without added sugar is ideal.
  • Soy sauce adds umami depth. Lowsodium allows better flavor control.
  • Honey balances the acidity with natural sweetness. Local honey offers subtle flavor variations.
  • Fresh ginger brings warming spice notes. Look for firm pieces with smooth skin.
  • Garlic adds aromatic depth. Fresh cloves provide significantly better flavor than prechopped.
  • Red pepper flakes contribute gentle heat that builds. Adjust based on your heat preference.
  • Tahini creates creamy richness and helps the dressing cling to vegetables. Wellstirred tahini works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Vegetables Like a Pro
Begin by creating uniform restaurant quality cuts. Slice the napa cabbage into thin ribbons using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. The key to achieving that perfect crunch lies in cutting against the grain creating shorter fibers that are easier to chew while maintaining structural integrity. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl and lightly salt it letting it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Create the Flavor Foundation
While the cabbage rests prepare your supporting vegetables. Julienne the carrot into matchstick sized pieces for optimal texture contrast. The purple cabbage should be sliced slightly thicker than the napa cabbage to maintain its vibrant color and provide textural variety. Cut the bell pepper into thin strips ensuring they are uniform for even distribution throughout the slaw.
Craft the Addictive Sesame Dressing
In a medium bowl whisk together the sesame oil rice vinegar soy sauce and honey until emulsified. The secret to this dressing's addictive quality lies in the perfect balance of fat acid and sweetness. Add the grated ginger minced garlic and red pepper flakes whisking continuously to prevent the tahini from clumping. The tahini adds a subtle nuttiness and helps create a creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the vegetables.
Combine and Toss with Precision
Drain any excess liquid from the salted cabbage and pat dry with paper towels. Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the napa cabbage. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly ensuring every strand is coated. The key is to fold the ingredients together rather than aggressively mixing which preserves the delicate texture of the vegetables.
Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the slaw reserving a small amount for garnish. These elements provide crucial textural contrast and enhance the nutty flavor profile. Toss one final time and taste for seasoning adjustments.
A plate of crunchy Asian cabbage slaw. Bookmark
A plate of crunchy Asian cabbage slaw. | yumloop.com

The fresh ginger is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I've tried making it without, and the difference is remarkable. My grandmother taught me to store ginger in the freezer and grate it while frozen—it's much easier to work with and stays fresh for months.

Make-Ahead Magic

This slaw actually improves with a bit of time, unlike traditional mayo-based versions that can become soggy. The vegetables maintain their crunch for up to three days in the refrigerator. If making ahead, I recommend storing the dressing separately until about 30 minutes before serving. For meal prep, portion the dressed slaw into containers without the nuts and seeds, then add those just before eating to maintain maximum crunch.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile slaw works brilliantly alongside grilled meats, particularly salmon, chicken thighs, or pork tenderloin. It also transforms into a complete meal when topped with edamame, tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken. For a stunning presentation at dinner parties, serve it in a large shallow bowl with the colorful components arranged in sections before tossing at the table—the visual impact never fails to impress guests.

Cultural Context

This slaw draws inspiration from traditional Chinese cold vegetable dishes but incorporates elements from various Asian culinary traditions. The combination of sesame, ginger, and soy creates a flavor profile that's authentic yet accessible. Unlike American coleslaw that relies on mayonnaise, this Asian-inspired version uses the sesame dressing to highlight rather than mask the fresh vegetable flavors—a hallmark of East Asian cuisine that emphasizes natural ingredients.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does this Asian cabbage slaw stay fresh?

The slaw will maintain its crunch and flavor for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving if preparing more than 2 hours in advance.

→ Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the vegetables and the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and freshness.

→ What protein would pair well with this slaw?

This versatile slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or marinated tofu. For a complete meal, try it with teriyaki-glazed protein or alongside Asian-inspired meatballs. It also works wonderfully as a topping for fish tacos.

→ How can I make this slaw vegan?

Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make this slaw completely vegan. All other ingredients in the original version are already plant-based.

→ What can I use instead of napa cabbage?

If napa cabbage isn't available, you can substitute with regular green cabbage or savoy cabbage. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. For a similar tender-crisp texture, you might try a mix of regular cabbage with romaine lettuce hearts.

→ Can I reduce the sodium content?

Yes, use low-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. You can also skip the step of salting the cabbage initially and instead add a small pinch of salt to the final dish if needed.

Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw

Crisp napa and purple cabbage tossed with fresh vegetables and an irresistible nutty sesame dressing for the perfect side dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Total Time
20 min

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Slaw

01 1 medium head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
02 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
03 1 large carrot, julienned into matchsticks
04 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
05 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
06 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
07 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
08 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

→ For the Addictive Sesame Dressing

09 3 tablespoons sesame oil (pure, not toasted)
10 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
11 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
12 1 tablespoon honey
13 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
14 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
16 1 tablespoon tahini

Directions

Step 01

Begin by slicing the napa cabbage into thin ribbons using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Cut against the grain for perfect crunch. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl, lightly salt it, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 02

While the cabbage rests, julienne the carrot into matchstick-sized pieces. Slice the purple cabbage slightly thicker than the napa cabbage. Cut the bell pepper into thin uniform strips for even distribution throughout the slaw.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until emulsified. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, whisking continuously. Incorporate the tahini, ensuring no clumps remain.

Step 04

Drain any excess liquid from the salted cabbage and pat dry with paper towels. Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the napa cabbage. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated.

Step 05

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the slaw, reserving a small amount for garnish. Toss one final time and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Notes

  1. For deeper flavor penetration, allow the slaw to marinate for 30 minutes before serving.
  2. Pre-cut vegetables retain 85% of their nutritional value when stored properly, so feel free to prep components ahead of time.

Required Equipment

  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains sesame seeds
  • Contains soy

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This info is provided as a guideline and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 145
  • Fat: 9.5 g
  • Carbs: 12 g
  • Protein: 4.2 g