LifestyleUnveiling a closely-guarded Chinese restaurant Coleslaw recipe

Unveiling a closely-guarded Chinese restaurant Coleslaw recipe

Coleslaw from white cabbage
Coleslaw from white cabbage
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Kondratova Ekaterina

7:41 PM EST, November 19, 2023

The coleslaw often served in Chinese restaurants has stolen my heart. It's a regular feature in many lunch platters, boasting a crunchy texture, fragrant aroma, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour flavor. Have you ever wondered how to replicate it at home?

The dynamism of Chinese cuisine, with its diverse flavors and fragrances, is captivating. One essential side dish served at local spots is this distinctive coleslaw, the crunchiness and unique taste hidden beneath a mysterious sauce, creating an absolute feast for the senses. But can we recreate something equally tantalizing at home?

As it happens, we can! Thanks to the closely-guarded recipe I've managed to obtain, I'll be sharing with you the secret to making the perfect coleslaw—an oft-present fixture on my own dining table. I invite you to indulge in this culinary journey and uncover the simplicity of creating this palatable side dish.

How can you create coleslaw like that from a Chinese restaurant?

Incredibly enough, preparing this slaw in the comfort of your own kitchen is surprisingly simple. All it requires is a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to start enjoying its delightful taste.

Ingredients:

  • ½ a head of white cabbage,
  • A large carrot,
  • A large onion,
  • 6% rice or spirit vinegar,
  • ⅓ a cup of oil,
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar,
  • 1 clove of garlic,
  • Salt to taste.

Preparation:

  1. Chop the cabbage.
  2. Grate the carrot using the coarser side of the grater.
  3. Slice the onion.
  4. Combine all the prepared ingredients in a bowl.
  5. In a saucepan, mix together the vinegar and oil, add in crushed garlic, salt, and sugar.
  6. Heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  7. Ensure the marinade is hot, but not boiling.
  8. Pour the hot marinade over the vegetables in the bowl.
  9. Mix well and press down lightly with a spoon.
  10. Allow to sit for roughly an hour.
  11. Stir the vegetables intermittently.
  12. For the best flavor, let the coleslaw marinate for a few hours before serving.

Variations on the Chinese restaurant coleslaw

This Chinese restaurant coleslaw recipe can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Here are a few ideas for variations:

  • Add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you prefer.
  • Experiment with different types of vinegar, like apple or wine vinegar.
  • Add your choice of spices to the sauce, such as chili, cinnamon, or ginger.

Its simplicity in preparation makes this "Chinese-style" coleslaw a feasible option for anyone looking to infuse a touch of exotic flavor into their menu. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself that the homemade version can be just as delicious as the one served at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Enjoy your meal!

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