Thai Peanut Coleslaw

Thai Peanut Coleslaw is a fusion of vibrant Thai flavors and the beloved classic coleslaw. This refreshing and crunchy salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue, picnic, or as a standalone light meal. Get ready to embark on a taste journey that combines the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

For the Coleslaw:

  • 6 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish, optional)

For the Thai Peanut Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as sesame or peanut oil)
  • 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Making the Thai Peanut Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve your desired consistency. Set the dressing aside.

Assembling the Thai Peanut Coleslaw:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh mint leaves, and chopped green onions.
  2. Pour the prepared Thai Peanut Dressing over the coleslaw ingredients.
  3. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss the coleslaw until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Chilling and Serving:

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Thai Peanut Coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill.
  2. Just before serving, garnish the coleslaw with chopped roasted peanuts, if desired, for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Variations and Tips

  • Protein Addition: To make this coleslaw a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for added protein.
  • Crunchy Elements: Experiment with additional crunchy elements like chopped water chestnuts or crispy fried shallots.
  • Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables such as thinly sliced cucumber, snow peas, or bean sprouts for more texture and flavor.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha sauce for extra heat.
  • Dietary Modifications: To make this coleslaw vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing, and make sure to choose a vegan-friendly soy sauce.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and the coleslaw ingredients separately in advance and combine them just before serving.
  • Storage: Store any leftover Thai Peanut Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two.

 

Thai Peanut Coleslaw offers a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw by infusing it with the bold and exciting flavors of Thai cuisine. This salad is a harmony of textures and tastes that will please your palate with every bite. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light meal, it’s a refreshing and satisfying choice that adds a touch of Thai culinary magic to your table. Enjoy the blend of savory, sweet, and nutty goodness in this Thai-inspired coleslaw!