Crispy Crunch Asian Napa Salad: Fresh & Flavorful Recipe

Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Description:

This Asian-inspired Napa cabbage slaw recipe, inspired by the TORONTO STAR’S Marion Kane and adapted from Chef Ming Tsai’s repertoire, is a delightful blend of fresh, crunchy vegetables tossed in a flavorful dressing. Perfect as a standalone dish or as a main course salad paired with grilled or roasted chicken or steak, this slaw is a versatile addition to any meal.

Recipe Information:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Greens
Keywords: Vegetable, < 15 Mins

Ingredients:

6 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
3 carrots, grated
1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, grated
2 teaspoons honey

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 119.3
Fat: 9.4g
Saturated Fat: 1.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 726.5mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugar: 4.1g
Protein: 2.6g

Instructions:

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage, grated carrots, bean sprouts, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Toss gently to mix evenly.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey until well blended.
Optional Step for Sesame Seeds: If using sesame seeds, toast them for about 5 minutes in a small, dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until they turn golden brown and become fragrant.
Combine Dressing with Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve: Sprinkle the slaw with toasted sesame seeds, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Enjoy: This Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw is ready to serve and enjoy! Serve it as a refreshing side dish or as a main course salad topped with strips of grilled or roasted chicken or steak for a satisfying meal.

Recipe Notes:

Feel free to customize this slaw by adding other crunchy vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or snow peas.
For a vegan version, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by varying the amount of honey and rice vinegar according to your taste preferences.
Make sure to toss the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
This slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply add the dressing and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy this Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw on its own as a light and refreshing salad.
Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired main courses such as stir-fries, grilled meats, or sushi.
Turn it into a complete meal by topping the slaw with strips of grilled or roasted chicken, steak, tofu, or shrimp marinated in teriyaki, hoisin, oyster, or soy sauce.

Nutritional Benefits:

Napa Cabbage: Rich in vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as folate and fiber, Napa cabbage provides essential nutrients and promotes digestive health.
Carrots: High in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, carrots support eye health, boost immunity, and aid in digestion.
Bean Sprouts: Low in calories and high in protein, fiber, and vitamins C and K, bean sprouts contribute to satiety and provide a range of health benefits.
Coriander Leaves: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and dietary fiber, coriander leaves aid in digestion, promote healthy skin, and may help lower blood sugar levels.
Sesame Seeds: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, sesame seeds add texture and flavor while offering numerous health benefits.