Crunchy Cabbage & Peanut Slaw

updated Aug 7, 2023
A close-up photo of crunchy cabbage and peanut slaw with fresh chopped cilantro on a plate
Credit: Joe Lingeman
A refreshing, light slaw fragrant with roasted peanuts

Serves10 to 12

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Credit: Joe Lingeman

This deceptively simple mix of cabbage, peanuts, and rice vinegar with oil is one of the easiest ways to round out a meal. It’s all in how you cut the cabbage: the mix is light and feathery yet satisfying at the same time. This is my attempt to imitate it, and it’s also a basic element in one of my favorite meals for a crowd, slow-cooked hoisin and ginger pork wraps.

Tester’s Notes

This easy cabbage slaw is great on its own or stuffed into tortillas with hoisin pulled pork. Take some care to cut the cabbage into very thin shreds, as it then soaks up the dressing more readily and is easier to eat. This slaw doesn’t wilt easily, making it an ideal make-ahead slaw that can sit out on the buffet table for a few hours if needed.

Christine, September 2017

Credit: Joe Lingeman

Crunchy Peanut Slaw

A refreshing, light slaw fragrant with roasted peanuts

Serves 10 to 12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 small head

    green cabbage (about 2 pounds), outer leaves removed

  • 1 1/2 cups

    roasted, unsalted peanuts, plus more for garnish

  • 1 medium bunch

    scallions, green and white parts finely chopped

  • 1 cup

    coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

  • Salt and pepper

  • 1/2 cup

    light vegetable oil, such as canola

  • 3 tablespoons

    rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon

    granulated sugar, plus more as needed

  • 1 tablespoon

    Asian sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon

    tamari or soy sauce, plus more as needed

Instructions

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  1. Core, then cut the cabbage into very fine shreds. The fineness of the shredded cabbage is really what makes this salad; you want it in threads, almost, and with the threads chopped into bite-sized lengths. Place in a large bowl. Add the peanuts, scallions, and cilantro, season very lightly with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

  2. Place the oil, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and tamari or soy sauce in a medium bowl and whisk until emulsified. Taste and adjust to your own preferences of sweetness and saltiness with more sugar or soy sauce as needed. Add to the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Garnish with a few more peanuts if desired.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftover slaw can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days.