Recipe: Asian Slaw

Asian Slaw.

Asian Slaw is a crunchy accompaniment to any main involving sesame oil… like our Trader Joe poke. Of course we could grate a head of cabbage, but because this is all about quick and easy we like to grab a bag of coleslaw mix (which includes red cabbage and shredded carrots) from the produce bin. Makes about 4 side servings.

Ingredients:
Half a medium head of cabbage, shredded, or 12-16 oz (half a package) cole slaw mix
1 T toasted sesame oil
1 T olive oil or neutral oil such as peanut
1 T seasoned rice vinegar or 1 T rice vinegar plus 1 t honey
½ t Kosher salt or to taste
Couple grinds black or white pepper
1 t grated ginger (from the Trader Joe frozen cubes or fresh)
1 t finely chopped garlic (from the Trader Joe frozen cubes or fresh)
¼ c finely chopped cilantro leaves or substitute basil or shiso leaves
Splash of fish sauce (optional)
Shake of cracked red pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)

We use this coleslaw mix, found at our local big box store.

Method: combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to mix. You can add a bit more neutral oil or rice vinegar to balance the flavor and lubrication if needed, but be careful with extra sesame oil which has a very strong taste. You can serve immediately, but flavor will improve after a couple hours in the refrigerator.