Description
At its core, this crunchy napa cabbage halal shrimp salad is a refreshed, seafood-centric take on Asian-inspired chopped salads. Instead of relying on traditional lettuce varieties like iceberg or romaine, which can easily turn soggy once dressed, this dish relies on napa cabbage as its structural base. Napa cabbage offers a delightful, airy crispness that holds up exceptionally well to bold seasonings and robust dressings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 1 lb (450 g) halal shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced or julienned
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
For the Sesame Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Mix shrimp with olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing
- Whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, mustard, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Add napa cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and herbs to a large bowl.
- Add the cooked shrimp.
- Pour over the sesame dressing and toss gently.
- Top with roasted nuts and sesame seeds.
4. Serve
Serve immediately while the cabbage is crisp and the shrimp are fresh.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal
Keywords: crispy napa cabbage halal shrimp salad, crunchy cabbage salad with halal shrimp, Asian napa cabbage halal shrimp salad, fresh napa cabbage and halal shrimp salad