Sesame Ginger Slaw

If you’re craving something crunchy, vibrant, and packed with flavor, look no further than Sesame Ginger Slaw! This refreshing slaw is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and a touch of sweetness, with the added bonus of a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for grilled chicken, as a topping for tacos, or just enjoying it as a healthy snack, this slaw is guaranteed to add some serious zing to your meal.

The sesame seeds give it that nutty richness, while the ginger-infused dressing brings a lively kick to the table. It’s fresh, it’s zesty, and it’s a total flavor bomb! Seriously, once you taste this slaw, you’ll be hooked. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and comes together in no time. Let’s dive into this bright, vibrant, and utterly delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love Sesame Ginger Slaw

Crisp & Refreshing: The crunchy cabbage and fresh veggies are perfectly balanced by the smooth and tangy dressing, making each bite a refreshing treat.

Packed with Flavor: The combination of sesame oil, fresh ginger, and a touch of soy sauce creates a sweet-savory dressing that really packs a punch.

Versatile & Easy: You can pair this slaw with just about anything—grilled meats, seafood, or even serve it as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. It’s the kind of dish that goes with everything.

Healthy & Light: This slaw is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and packs in lots of nutrients, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful side.

Quick to Make: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is as simple as tossing some ingredients together and mixing up a zesty dressing. It’s ready in just 15 minutes!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Sesame Ginger Slaw

Let’s talk about what goes into this slaw to make it so irresistible:

Cabbage

The base of this slaw. Cabbage gives you that perfect crunch, and its mild flavor allows the dressing to shine through. You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a mix of both for a beautiful color contrast.

Carrots

Thinly sliced or julienned carrots add color, texture, and a bit of sweetness to the slaw. They’re the perfect complement to the cabbage and enhance the overall crunch.

Green Onions

Green onions bring a slight sharpness and a bit of freshness that balances out the richness of the sesame dressing.

Sesame Seeds

These little seeds are what give this slaw its signature nutty flavor. Toasting them adds a lovely depth and extra crunch, making them the perfect finishing touch.

Fresh Ginger

The star of the dressing! Fresh ginger gives a zesty, aromatic kick that brings everything together and adds a wonderful zing to the slaw.

Soy Sauce or Tamari

A bit of soy sauce adds savory depth to the dressing, while the saltiness complements the sweetness of the carrots and the sesame seeds. You can swap it with tamari for a gluten-free version.

Rice Vinegar

The tangy zing from rice vinegar is what cuts through the richness of the sesame oil, adding balance and brightness to the dressing.

Sesame Oil

A key ingredient that provides that deep, toasted flavor that makes sesame ginger slaw so unique. The oil is fragrant, rich, and gives the dressing its signature taste.

Honey or Maple Syrup

A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and the savory soy sauce. You can use honey for a more traditional sweetness or maple syrup for a more earthy, natural flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Just a pinch to season the slaw and bring all the flavors together.

Instructions

Let’s whip up this super quick and delicious slaw in just a few easy steps!

Prepare the Veggies

Start by thinly slicing or shredding the cabbage and carrots. If you have a mandolin slicer, this is the perfect time to use it, but you can also slice them by hand. Chop the green onions into thin slices as well. Combine the cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.

Toast the Sesame Seeds

In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden and release a lovely nutty aroma. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and fresh grated ginger. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should have a nice balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Toss the Slaw

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. The dressing will soak into the cabbage, making each bite absolutely delicious.

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top of the slaw and give it a final toss. You can also sprinkle extra green onions if you like! Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together even more.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes (for toasting the sesame seeds)
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Sesame Ginger Slaw

This slaw is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. It’s also a great companion to seafood like grilled fish or salmon.
• As a Topping: Top tacos, burgers, or sandwiches with this slaw for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• With Asian-Inspired Dishes: Serve alongside stir-fries, sushi, or ramen to complement the Asian flavors.
• As a Standalone Snack: Sometimes, this slaw is so tasty, it’s great to enjoy on its own as a light, healthy snack.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or mix in some sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Add Protein: For a more substantial dish, add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp right on top of the slaw. It makes for a quick and healthy meal.
• Make Ahead: The slaw can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the sesame seeds until right before serving to keep them crunchy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bottled ginger dressing instead of making my own?
A1: Sure! While homemade dressing tastes fresher, bottled ginger dressing can be a convenient shortcut. Just make sure it has a good balance of flavors.

Q2: Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep the slaw and dressing separately and store them in the fridge. Just combine them before serving. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a bit!

Q3: Can I make this slaw gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this slaw completely gluten-free.

Q4: Can I add other veggies?
A4: Of course! You can add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or cucumber to give it even more texture and flavor.

Q5: How long does sesame ginger slaw last?
A5: The slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the cabbage may start to wilt, but it should still taste great!

Conclusion

Sesame Ginger Slaw is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and flavorful, with a dressing that’s zesty, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a fantastic side dish for all your summer meals or a great topping to elevate your tacos and sandwiches. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a BBQ, picnic, or just because, this slaw will definitely steal the show!

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