FoodChinese-inspired coleslaw: A quick and easy recipe to try at home

Chinese-inspired coleslaw: A quick and easy recipe to try at home

The chef from the Chinese restaurant revealed the recipe to me. Now I make this salad...
The chef from the Chinese restaurant revealed the recipe to me. Now I make this salad...
Images source: © Adobe Stock

4:54 PM EDT, August 25, 2024

Crunchy, refreshing coleslaw is the perfect addition to many dishes. How about one that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant? This simple recipe, revealed to me by a chef, will allow you to make such coleslaw at home. It's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Coleslaw is one of those sides that enhance any meal, adding color and, most importantly, flavor and freshness. In search of the perfect coleslaw, we often turn to recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world. This time, I'll share a recipe for coleslaw that I learned from a chef at my favorite Chinese restaurant. It's a simple yet delicious side that pairs perfectly with many dishes, not just Asian ones. After trying this recipe, your family will undoubtedly be asking for more.

Quick and easy coleslaw for any meal

Preparing this coleslaw will only take you a few moments. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you certainly have in your kitchen. This way, you can enjoy a homemade, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

                  
  • ½ head of cabbage
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove of garlic

Preparing this coleslaw is very simple and quick, making it an ideal side even on the busiest day. Below, you'll find a step-by-step recipe that will make you feel like you're in a Chinese restaurant in your own home.

  1. Preparing the vegetables – Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Chop the cabbage into small pieces. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can leave larger pieces of cabbage. Peel the carrot and grate it on a coarse grater, and peel and thinly slice the onion. Transfer all the vegetables to a large bowl.
  2. Preparing the dressing – In a small pot, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and garlic pressed through a garlic press. Heat the mixture over low heat until the salt and sugar completely dissolve. Remember not to bring the dressing to a boil – it should be hot but not boiling.
  3. Combining the ingredients – Pour the hot dressing into the bowl with the vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well. Set the coleslaw aside for an hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  4. Serving the coleslaw – The coleslaw tastes best when chilled. You can serve it as a side dish to meat, rice, or pasta dishes. It pairs well with both Asian cuisine and traditional dinner dishes.

Tips:

            
  • Vinegar: You can use rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or wine vinegar. Each will give the coleslaw a slightly different flavor.
  • Sweetness: If you like sweeter coleslaw, add a bit more sugar.
  • Oil: You can use any vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, or sesame oil.
  • Spicy additions: For those who enjoy spicier flavors, you can add a pinch of chili or cayenne pepper to the coleslaw.
  • Other vegetables: You can add other favorite vegetables to the coleslaw, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or celery.

This simple and quick coleslaw is a perfect addition to any dish. It's crunchy, refreshing, and full of flavor. Thanks to this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of your favorite coleslaw from a Chinese restaurant in the comfort of your home.