Ingredients
- 1 head Napa Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium Carrots, shredded
- 3 stalks Green Onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce, low sodium preferred (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 clove Garlic, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, freshly grated
- Chili flakes or Sriracha, optional and to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chopped toasted nuts, fresh herbs (cilantro or mint)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the napa cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the green onions. Rinse the cabbage if needed.
- Place the sliced cabbage in a bowl of ice water and chill for about 10 minutes to firm the leaves.
- Drain the cabbage thoroughly and spin or pat dry to avoid watering down the dressing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup/agave, grated garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes or sriracha until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the dressing’s sweetness, acidity, or heat as desired.
- Combine the dried cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to mingle while keeping the vegetables crisp.
- Optional: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped toasted nuts, or fresh herbs just before serving.
Notes
Dress the slaw just before serving to keep it crisp; early dressing can cause sogginess., Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for best flavor., Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture., For make-ahead meal prep, store vegetables and dressing separately and combine before eating., Customize with additions like mandarin slices, bell peppers, soba noodles, or a creamy element such as Greek yogurt or peanut butter., Pair with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, sticky rice, veggie fried rice, tofu stir-fry, or enjoy with chilled green tea., Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days; keep dressing separate until serving., Cabbage and other vegetables can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance to maintain freshness., Veggies can be frozen without dressing for up to 2 months but may lose crunch upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 80 calories per serving
- Fat: 5 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 8 g per serving
- Protein: 2 g per serving