As we finally get the OK to get back to normal, a fun first step is a backyard get-together—great food, great friends, great fun! It’s one of the things I’ve missed the most. When I’m menu planning, I love to include one of my favorite sides, boldly flavored Asian slaw, easy to prepare but so intensely delicious. It also goes with everything, from burgers to pulled pork. And you can make it a few hours in advance—that’s enough time for the flavors to meld, while the slaw still remains crisp. Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peeled and finely minced fresh ginger
- 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 to 1 red jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and finely minced
For the slaw:
- 1 medium head Napa or Savoy cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled, trimmed, and cut into matchsticks
- 3 scallions, trimmed; white and green parts thinly sliced on a sharp diagonal
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1
For the dressing, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice and zest, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small mixing bowl. Whisk in the olive oil and sesame oil. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and jalapeño—half of it for mild heat, all of it for more heat.
Step 2
To assemble the slaw, toss the cabbage, carrots, and scallions in a large bowl. Add the dressing, and toss to lightly coat. Top with the cilantro leaves and peanuts if you’re using them.
Yields 4 to 6 servings.