I’ve to confess, I’m barely obsessive about this recipe. I created this because the coleslaw model of my Spicy Thai Pasta Salad, and it’s just about all the pieces I’ve ever wished in a coleslaw. It’s mild, completely crunchy, and tremendous flavorful.
For extra tasty coleslaw recipes, attempt our straightforward Traditional Coleslaw.

Why My Recipe
- A spicy twist on a basic coleslaw that’s certain to impress.
- The sesame soy-honey dressing has daring flavors with a little bit warmth.
- Use heads of cabbage and carrots, or save time by utilizing pre-shredded mixes and blends.

Who says coleslaw needs to be boring? We discover that coleslaw is commonly the aspect that will get uncared for, particularly in relation to fried rooster takeout. However this coleslaw is not any soggy, takeout aspect! We’ve dressed this coleslaw up with a spicy sesame French dressing, recent cilantro and inexperienced onion, and honey-roasted peanuts for simply the proper crunch.
Ingredient Notes

- Toasted Sesame Oil: Be sure to make use of toasted sesame oil for its distinct, intense taste.
- Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: These add only a trace of warmth. Double it if you wish to convey extra warmth, or go away it out completely if you happen to aren’t into spicy.
- Rice Vinegar: use seasoned rice vinegar for added taste, or unseasoned for decrease energy. You possibly can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, however the taste will probably be barely totally different.
- Soy Sauce: Â Substitute with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Honey: Provides a contact of sweetness to the sauce. Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Cabbage:Â Pink and inexperienced cabbage are used for colour and variation. Thinly slice.
- Shredded Carrots:Â For a candy, earthy style.
- Cilantro: This can be a staple taste, however if you happen to don’t love the flavour of cilantro then parsley is the go-to substitute.
- Inexperienced Onion: Provides a pop of colour and a little bit delicate onion chew.
- Honey Roasted Peanuts: We love the crunch of peanuts, however if you happen to don’t share that love or have allergy symptoms, you’ll be able to go away them out or substitute with almonds or cashews.
Make Your Coleslaw Final Longer
Cabbage tends to launch water after it’s shredded, which may water down your dressing over time. When you’re making coleslaw prematurely or wish to preserve leftovers crisp, this easy trick helps rather a lot.
Place your shredded cabbage in a colander and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss it gently and let it sit for 1 to 4 hours. The salt will draw out extra moisture. After it sweats, rinse the cabbage totally with chilly water and pat it fully dry with paper towels earlier than assembling your slaw. This step helps preserve the cabbage crunchy and your dressing from getting diluted.
Variations
Spice it Up: In search of a little bit extra warmth? Double the quantity of crimson pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons, or you’ll be able to simply add sliced (or diced) recent jalapeños.
Combine-Ins:Â Some nice additions (or substitutions) are cashews, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and even sunflower seeds.
Garnish: Not a fan of cilantro or inexperienced onion? Be at liberty to substitute with recent parsley or mint.
Time Saver Tip
We love the feel that comes from slicing recent cabbage and carrots by hand, however there’s completely no disgrace in reaching for the bagged variety if you happen to’re brief on time. Use no matter works for you!

Serving Ideas
Coleslaw is a superb complement to many dishes and this one will give issues spicy, Asian-inspired flavors. Listed here are a few of our go-to dishes that pair effectively with this tasty slaw!
Tacos: Make this recipe, after which use the leftovers to make fish tacos the subsequent day. This coleslaw goes completely with fish tacos and even shrimp tacos!
Wraps: Add a little bit crunch and a little bit tang to a rooster wrap. Seize a tortilla, coleslaw, and a few rooster, and also you’re good to go—no want so as to add dressing!
Sandwiches: High your sandwiches, sliders, and even burgers with this tasty coleslaw. We particularly love a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. A basic combo!
Storage Directions
Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.