Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing is a fantastic and versatile dish that combines the perfect balance of crunchiness, creaminess, tanginess, and spice. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, taco topping, or a light lunch, this slaw recipe ticks all the boxes. The crisp vegetables and the bold Sriracha dressing will bring your taste buds to life, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.
In this article, we will guide you through every detail of this vibrant dish, from the ingredients to the preparation process, as well as offer some creative variations to suit different tastes. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure you get the most out of this delightful recipe.
What Is Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing?
Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing is a refreshing salad made primarily from fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and fennel, dressed in a creamy yet tangy sauce spiced up with the famous Sriracha hot sauce. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the crunchiness of cabbage and carrots against the smoothness of the creamy dressing. The Sriracha adds a bold kick, making it an unforgettable side dish or topping.
This recipe is a great addition to various meals, including fish tacos, grilled chicken, and Asian-inspired rice bowls. It’s also a great way to incorporate more fresh veggies into your diet in a fun and flavorful way.
The Origin of Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing
While slaw itself is a dish with origins in European cuisine, particularly from the Dutch word “sla,” meaning salad, the Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing has an interesting fusion twist. This recipe merges traditional slaw elements with flavors commonly used in Asian cuisine. The combination of sesame oil, fish sauce, and Sriracha reflects the bold and spicy profile of many Asian dishes.
The dressing draws heavily from Southeast Asian influences, especially Thai and Vietnamese flavors. The use of fish sauce or soy sauce brings umami, while Sriracha adds heat, creating a dressing that’s both tangy and fiery. This variation has become increasingly popular in modern cooking, making it a staple at barbecues, taco nights, and even as a quick snack.
Ingredients for Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing
This refreshing and crunchy slaw serves about 6-8 people, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Here’s what you need to make the Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing:
Slaw Base:
- 3 cups shredded red cabbage – Red cabbage provides a deep color and crunch, a perfect contrast to the creamy dressing.
- 1 cup shredded carrots – The carrots add additional texture and a sweet flavor that balances out the heat from the dressing.
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced – Fennel adds a subtle anise-like flavor that complements the other ingredients and provides extra crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and fragrance to the dish.
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional) – Sesame seeds are often used in Asian cooking to add texture and an earthy flavor.
Sriracha Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice – The lime juice gives the dressing a tangy kick and brightens the other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise – The mayonnaise adds creaminess, helping to balance the spiciness of the Sriracha.
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar – Rice vinegar adds acidity and a mild sweetness, essential for achieving a balanced dressing.
- 1 tbsp sriracha – This is the star of the dressing, providing the signature heat and spice.
- 1 tbsp honey – The honey counteracts the heat of the Sriracha with its natural sweetness.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil contributes a nutty, savory flavor typical in many Asian dishes.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian) – Fish sauce adds umami and a salty depth, but you can use soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and fish sauce. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and spicy—just the right balance to coat the vegetables perfectly.
2. Prepare the Slaw Base:
Next, take the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced fennel, chopped cilantro, and black sesame seeds (if using) and add them to the bowl with the dressing.
3. Toss the Slaw:
Toss the mixture well so that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. The vibrant colors of the slaw should come together beautifully.
4. Chill & Serve:
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and softens the vegetables just enough for a perfect texture.
After chilling, the slaw is ready to be served! It works wonderfully as a refreshing side dish, a spicy taco topping, or even as a light lunch when paired with protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
Variations & Twists
While the original recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:
1. Vegan Version:
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly version of this slaw, simply swap the mayonnaise for vegan mayo and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. This creates a completely plant-based dish while retaining the original flavors.
2. Crunch Boost:
For extra texture, add some chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips. These add a crunchy contrast to the creamy dressing and make the dish even more satisfying.
3. Fusion Flair:
Add a twist of fusion by mixing in some julienned mango or daikon radish. The mango will add a touch of sweetness, while daikon radish gives a unique, peppery crunch that will make this slaw even more exciting.
4. More Heat:
If you’re a fan of extra heat, try adding more Sriracha or even a sliced chili pepper to the dressing. The more spice, the better for those who love a fiery kick!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing
Can I make the Asian Slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, the flavors get even better after a few hours of chilling in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce (if you need a vegetarian version). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! You can switch out the fennel for other crunchy vegetables like red bell peppers, cucumbers, or even snap peas. The recipe is quite adaptable to your preferences.
How spicy is this slaw?
The level of spice depends on how much Sriracha you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
How long does the slaw last?
The slaw will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the veggies will start to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness and crunch.
Conclusion: Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing
Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing is a bold, crunchy, and flavorful dish that brings a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a vibrant slaw that’s ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a side dish, topping, or light lunch. Plus, with variations to make it vegan, spicier, or extra crunchy, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate.
The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and fennel, paired with a tangy, spicy dressing, is truly irresistible. So, whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, on top of fish tacos, or simply as a fresh snack, this Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Remember, this slaw is all about creativity—feel free to make it your own and experiment with different ingredients. Enjoy the bold flavors, and happy cooking!
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Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing Recipe: A Bold and Refreshing Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing is a refreshing salad made primarily from fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and fennel, dressed in a creamy yet tangy sauce spiced up with the famous Sriracha hot sauce. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the crunchiness of cabbage and carrots against the smoothness of the creamy dressing. The Sriracha adds a bold kick, making it an unforgettable side dish or topping.
Ingredients
Slaw Base:
- 3 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional)
Sriracha Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayo, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and fish sauce until smooth.
- Toss the Slaw
- Add cabbage, carrots, fennel, cilantro, and sesame seeds to the bowl.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and soften the veggies.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or topping.
Notes
For extra crunch and protein, toss in roasted peanuts, cashews, or edamame. This slaw also pairs perfectly as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grilled fish for a spicy, refreshing twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Asian Slaw with Sriracha Dressing
