Embark on a culinary journey to Asia with this vibrant Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing recipe. The colorful combination of fresh vegetables is elevated with a zesty ginger peanut dressing, providing a delightful crunch and exotic flavors in every bite. This dish is perfect as a side for your grilled dishes or as a light meal on its own.
Some ingredients like unseasoned rice vinegar, Asian sesame oil, and edamame might not be readily available in your pantry. These are typical Asian ingredients that provide distinct flavors to the dish. You can easily find them in the Asian aisle of most supermarkets or in an Asian grocery store. Don't substitute them to maintain the authentic Asian taste.
Ingredients for Asian Slaw and Ginger Peanut Dressing
Honey: gives a natural sweetness to the dressing.
Vegetable oil: used as a base for the dressing.
Unseasoned rice vinegar: adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
Soy sauce: gives depth and saltiness to the dressing.
Asian sesame oil: lends a distinct nutty flavor to the dressing.
Peanut butter: adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dressing.
Salt: enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
Sriracha sauce: adds a spicy kick to the dressing.
Fresh ginger: provides a zesty flavor to the dressing.
Garlic clove: adds a savory taste to the dressing.
Coleslaw: is the primary vegetable of the slaw.
Carrots: add color and additional crunch to the slaw.
Red bell pepper: adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color to the slaw.
Edamame: adds a unique flavor and protein to the slaw.
Scallions: provide a mild onion flavor to the slaw.
Salted peanuts: add crunch and a salty touch to the slaw.
Fresh cilantro: gives a refreshing flavor to the slaw.
One reader, Horst Jordan says:
This Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and spicy. The crunch of the vegetables and the creaminess of the dressing make it a perfect side dish or a light meal. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Key Techniques for Making Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
How to prepare the ginger peanut dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, vegetable oil, unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, Asian sesame oil, peanut butter, salt, sriracha sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic until the peanut butter is dissolved. Set aside.
How to combine the slaw ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded coleslaw, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, edamame, scallions, chopped salted peanuts, and chopped fresh cilantro.
How to toss the slaw with the dressing: Add the prepared ginger peanut dressing to the slaw and toss well to ensure even coating. Let the slaw sit for at least ten minutes to allow the vegetables to soak up the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
How to store the dressing: The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
How to serve the slaw: Serve the slaw cold. It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for a few days.
How To Make Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
Pair off your meals with a refreshing, crunchy, and spicy side of this Asian slaw, all tossed in a bold ginger peanut dressing, for a delightful slaw!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Ginger Peanut Dressing:
- ¼cuphoney
- ¼cupvegetable oil
- ¼cupunseasoned rice vinegar
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 1tspAsian sesame oil
- 1tbsppeanut butter
- ½tspsalt
- 1tspSriracha sauce,optional
- 1tbspfresh ginger,minced
- 1large garlic clove,minced
For Slaw:
- 4cupscoleslaw,shredded
- 2cupscarrots,shredded
- 1red bell pepper,thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1cupedamame,cooked, shelled
- 2medium scallions,finely sliced
- ½cupsalted peanuts,chopped
- ½cupfresh cilantro,chopped
Instructions
Ginger Peanut Dressing:
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, salt, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
Slaw:
-
Combine the coleslaw, carrots, red bell pepper, edamame, scallions, peanuts, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and and toss well.
-
Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
This slaw is best served fresh but leftovers will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 465.86kcal
- Fat: 31.24g
- Saturated Fat: 3.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.32g
- Carbohydrates: 41.56g
- Fiber: 6.33g
- Sugar: 31.41g
- Protein: 7.81g
- Cholesterol: 5.09mg
- Sodium: 621.58mg
- Calcium: 81.74mg
- Potassium: 570.46mg
- Iron: 1.36mg
- Vitamin A: 413.35µg
- Vitamin C: 49.91mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Asian Slaw
To ensure your Asian Slaw has the perfect crunch and freshness, it's best to prepare the ginger peanut dressing and the slaw separately and only combine them just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and losing their crisp texture. Also, when preparing the dressing, make sure to finely mince the garlic and ginger to ensure they blend well into the dressing for a smooth, consistent flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Asian Slaw Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and shred the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to use it.
Use pre-shredded vegetables: Save time by using pre-shredded coleslaw mix and pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store. This eliminates the need for chopping and shredding, cutting down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the vegetables are marinating in the dressing, use that time to prepare other components of your meal. This way, you can maximize your efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a good quality vegetable chopper: A vegetable chopper can significantly reduce the time spent on chopping and shredding vegetables, making the prep work much quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your workspace is organized and all the necessary ingredients and tools are within reach. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing Recipe
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, and it adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dressing.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a fruity and slightly peppery flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.
unseasoned rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to rice vinegar and adds a hint of fruitiness to the dressing.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a slightly richer and smoother flavor.
asian sesame oil - Substitute with toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil has a more intense nutty flavor, adding depth to the dressing.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, providing a delicious alternative to peanut butter.
sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce provides a spicy kick and garlicky flavor, similar to sriracha.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the dressing.
large garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, offering a convenient way to add garlic flavor to the dressing.
coleslaw - Substitute with shredded cabbage and carrots: Shredded cabbage and carrots can be used as a simple alternative to pre-made coleslaw mix.
shredded carrots - Substitute with julienned daikon radish: Julienned daikon radish adds a crisp texture and a slightly peppery flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the slaw.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell pepper provides a similar crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the slaw.
edamame - Substitute with green peas: Green peas offer a similar pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a fresh element to the slaw.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, similar to scallions.
chopped salted peanuts - Substitute with chopped cashews: Chopped cashews offer a creamy and buttery texture, adding a delightful crunch to the slaw.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a similar vibrant green color and a mild herbaceous flavor to the slaw.
Presentation Tips for Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Asian slaw, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use colorful and vibrant vegetables to add a pop of color. Arrange the slaw in a neat and artistic manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the dish to add complexity. Consider adding a crunchy element such as chopped peanuts for contrast against the crisp vegetables. This will provide a delightful textural experience for the diners.
Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that exudes vibrancy and vitality. Ensure that the vegetables appear crisp and succulent, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the slaw to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate empty, you can draw attention to the main components of the dish, creating a visually striking presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the slaw with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced scallions. These delicate garnishes will not only enhance the flavors but also elevate the overall presentation of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Asian Slaw
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dressings, and finely chopping vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, marinating, and mixing dressings or sauces. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
This asian slaw is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The vegetables may lose some of their crispness over time, but the flavors will continue to meld together.
If you want to prepare the slaw in advance, you can mix the dressing and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply toss the dressing with the slaw ingredients.
While it's not recommended to freeze the fully assembled slaw as the vegetables will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing, you can freeze the ginger peanut dressing for up to 3 months. Pour the dressing into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
If you have extra shredded vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or coleslaw mix, you can store them separately in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These can be used in future salads or stir-fries.
Interesting Fact About Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing is a popular dish in Asian cuisine. It is a versatile and flavorful salad that can be served as a side dish or a main course. The combination of crunchy vegetables, nutty peanut dressing, and zesty ginger creates a unique and delicious flavor profile. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and add variety to your meals. Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking for a refreshing meal, this Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing is sure to impress!
Budget-Friendly: Making Asian Slaw at Home
The Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as coleslaw, carrots, and bell peppers, are generally affordable and widely available. The dressing components, including honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, are also reasonably priced and can be used in various other dishes. The addition of edamame provides a protein boost without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe offers a good balance of cost and flavor. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20.
Is This Asian Slaw Recipe Healthy?
The Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that packs a punch of healthy ingredients. The slaw itself is loaded with fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of edamame adds a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats. The ginger peanut dressing is made with wholesome ingredients like honey, rice vinegar, and peanut butter, which offer a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be tweaked to make it even healthier:
- Swap the vegetable oil for a healthier option like avocado oil or olive oil, which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Reduce the amount of honey in the dressing to lower the overall sugar content
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on the salt content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the slaw for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients
- Add some lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a more well-rounded meal
To take this recipe to the next level of healthiness, you could also:
- Use a mix of different colored vegetables like purple cabbage, yellow bell peppers, and green onions to increase the variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Experiment with different types of nuts and seeds like almonds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and healthy fats
- Incorporate some fresh herbs like mint or basil for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients
- Serve the slaw over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal
Editor's Take on Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
The Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The dressing's balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes complements the crispness of the slaw vegetables, while the addition of peanuts and cilantro adds a satisfying crunch and freshness. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization with additional protein or toppings. It's a refreshing and vibrant dish that showcases the beauty of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Why trust this Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish. The ginger peanut dressing infuses the slaw with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, while the combination of shredded coleslaw, carrots, red bell pepper, and edamame provides a colorful and nutritious base. The addition of chopped salted peanuts and fresh cilantro lends a delightful crunch and herbaceous freshness. With a well-balanced dressing and a diverse array of wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.
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