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Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing served on a plate

Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing

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This Asian cabbage slaw features thinly shredded cabbage and julienned carrots tossed in a nutty sesame dressing with toasted seeds. The crisp texture and balanced tangy-sweet flavors make it a perfect side for grilled proteins or stir-fries. Toasting the sesame seeds and chilling the slaw before serving enhances flavor and maintains crunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small head green cabbage shredded into ⅛-inch ribbons
  • 2 medium carrots julienned into thin strips
  • 3 stalks green onions sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoon sesame oil preferably toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoon rice vinegar mild acidity for dressing
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce light soy sauce preferred
  • 1 tablespoon sugar to balance acidity
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger fresh grated or ground
  • 2 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted for nutty crunch
  • chili flakes optional for heat

Equipment

  • Small skillet Used to toast sesame seeds
  • Sharp knife or mandoline For shredding cabbage and julienning carrots
  • Mixing bowl To whisk dressing and toss slaw
  • Tongs For tossing slaw to coat evenly

Method
 

  1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add sesame seeds. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn.
    2 tbsp sesame seeds
  2. Cut cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and slice into thin ⅛-inch ribbons using a sharp knife or mandoline. Julienne carrots into thin strips and slice green onions diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
    1 small head green cabbage, 2 medium carrots, 3 stalks green onions
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the dressing emulsifies completely.
    2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger
  4. Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots to a large bowl and pour the dressing over top. Toss thoroughly with tongs for 1-2 minutes until every piece is evenly coated without pooling at the bottom.
    1 small head green cabbage, 2 medium carrots, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger
  5. Let the slaw sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly. Fold in green onions, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
    3 stalks green onions, 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Notes

  • Toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden to enhance nutty flavor.
  • Shred cabbage thinly (⅛-inch) for even dressing coating and crisp texture.
  • Dress slaw 10-15 minutes before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain crunch.

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