5-Min Asian Slaw (Better Than Takeout & So Easy!)

Looking for a lightning-fast side dish that’s full of flavor, crunch, and personality? This Easy Asian Slaw is everything you love about takeout—but fresher, healthier, and ready in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, meal prepping for the week, or tossing together a quick weekday lunch, this slaw delivers vibrant color, bold taste, and irresistible texture.

This quick slaw is tossed in a tangy sesame-soy vinaigrette that perfectly complements the freshness of crisp cabbage and sweet carrots. It’s versatile enough to stand on its own or be served with grilled proteins, tacos, or rice bowls. And with no cooking required, it’s a go-to recipe for busy days when you still want something wholesome and homemade.

With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s fresh, flavorful, and foolproof—ideal for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Slaw Recipe

• Super Fast & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes—no cooking required!
• Fresh & Healthy: Loaded with veggies, herbs, and good-for-you fats.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays crisp and flavorful in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or swap in veggies based on what’s in your kitchen.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan or gluten-free.

Nutritional Highlights:

• Cabbage: Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants.
• Carrots: Great source of beta carotene and vitamin K.
• Sesame Oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Cilantro: Natural detoxifying properties and adds fresh flavor.

🍽️ What is Cabbage?

Cabbage is the crunchy, leafy star of this slaw. It’s part of the cruciferous vegetable family—cousin to broccoli and kale—and it’s packed with nutrients like:

• Vitamin C: Supports immune health
• Vitamin K: Important for bone health
• Fiber: Aids digestion and helps you feel full

Fun fact: Napa cabbage is often used in Asian cuisine for its softer texture and sweet taste, while green cabbage adds a satisfying crunch.

Cabbage is also incredibly versatile—it’s great in salads, stir-fries, soups, and fermented as kimchi or sauerkraut!

🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Cabbage (Napa or Green): Use Napa for a tender bite, or green cabbage for extra crunch. Red cabbage adds color.
• Carrots: Shredded for natural sweetness. Sub with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch. Swap with yellow or orange peppers.
• Green Onions: Mild onion flavor. Can be replaced with chives or shallots.
• Cilantro: Fresh and bright. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or Thai basil.
• Sesame Seeds & Almonds: Bring the crunch. Sub with sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts.
• Soy Sauce: Umami base. Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tang. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
• Honey: Balances the acidity. Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty richness. Chili oil or avocado oil for variation.
• Garlic & Ginger: Add depth. Fresh is best, but powdered versions work too.

👩‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success

• Shred Fine for Texture: Use a mandoline or food processor to finely shred the cabbage and carrots for the perfect slaw texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes after mixing to let flavors meld beautifully.
• Toast Your Nuts & Seeds: Lightly toasting almonds and sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor.
• Toss Just Before Serving: To maintain crunch, add dressing just before serving if prepping ahead.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, acidity, or sweetness to your liking.

📢 More Recipes You’ll Love

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• Easy Cucumber Salad – Refreshing & Ready in Minutes
• Best Easy Orange Chicken Bites (Ready in 20 Min!)
• One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles (Quick & Flavorful!)
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🤤 Your New Favorite Side Dish Awaits!

Bright, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Easy Asian Slaw is your ticket to a fresh and flavorful meal in just minutes. Toss it together for your next picnic, barbecue, or weeknight dinner—you won’t regret it!

Refreshing

5-Min Asian Slaw (Better Than Takeout & So Easy!)

Prep Time 5 mins Total Time 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 120 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year Dietary:

Dairy-Free Vegetarian

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Author: Judy Sanders Cooking Method: Mixing, No-Cook Cuisine: Asian, Fusion Courses: Salads, Side Dishes Recipe Keys: Cold Kid-Friendly Quick Meals Soy-Free

Description

Enjoy a speedy and delicious Asian slaw that's ready in just 5 minutes. It's a refreshing mix of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal.

Ingredients

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Servings

Asian Slaw Ingredients

• 1 head Cabbage (Napa or regular) (Look for fresh and crisp cabbage for the best texture.)
• 1 cup Carrots (shredded) (You can use store-bought shredded carrots for convenience.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Red bell pepper (julienned) (Adds a pop of color and sweetness to the slaw.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Green onions (chopped) (Provides a mild onion flavor and freshness.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Cilantro (chopped) (Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Toasted sesame seeds (For a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Slivered almonds (Adds a nice crunch and nuttiness to the slaw.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Soy sauce (For the umami flavor and saltiness.)
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar (Adds a tangy kick to the slaw.)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (Balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.)
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil (Infuses a rich, nutty flavor into the slaw.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Garlic (minced) (Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Ginger (minced) (Provides a warm, aromatic note to the slaw.)
• Salt and pepper To taste (Adjust according to your preference for seasoning.)

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

1. Mix the Ingredients

   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
   Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.

Prepare the Slaw

1. Combine Ingredients

   In a large bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and sliced scallions.
   
   Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like radishes or snap peas for extra texture.

Finish and Serve

1. Mix and Chill

   Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Allow the flavors to meld by chilling in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
   For an extra kick, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving.

2. Serve and Enjoy

   Serve the Asian slaw as a refreshing side dish or as a crunchy topping for tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
   This slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 223kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 11.4g18%

Saturated Fat 1.4g7%

Sodium 907.5mg38%

Potassium 725.2mg21%

Total Carbohydrate 27.1g10%

Dietary Fiber 9.4g38%

Sugars 14.7g

Protein 7.9g16%

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Calcium 220.3 mg

Iron 3.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)

Note

• For a spicier slaw, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Feel free to swap out the sesame oil for a different flavored oil like avocado or chili oil.
• To make it a full meal, top the slaw with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
• For a sweeter slaw, mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
• This slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: Asian, Slaw, Quick, Fresh, Flavorful

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