Kickin Korean Coleslaw a Bbq Game Changer
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get bored of the same old BBQ side dishes ? This Korean coleslaw will knock your socks off! It's a super tasty cold side dish for BBQ that’s both sweet and spicy.
Brief Overview
Korean coleslaw, or should I say, Korean inspired coleslaw, doesn't have deep cultural roots like kimchi. It is more of a modern fusion dish.
Don't let that fool you. This dish is easy to make, taking only 20 minutes with another 30 for chillin'.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. Perfect for sharing at your next summer picnic .
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best part is how refreshing this coleslaw is! It pairs so well with heavy BBQ. This recipe is special because it's not just another blah coleslaw recipe ! The gochujang gives it a unique kick.
Kickin' Korean Coleslaw: What's the Hype?
This recipe is a straight-up game changer. If you are looking for Refreshing BBQ sides , look no further.
I think of this as a modern take on Asian slaw for BBQ . It's quick, simple and a real crowd pleaser.
It is also a fantastic choice for potluck side dishes cold . Plus, you can even make-ahead BBQ sides .
What You'll Need to Sizzle
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
For That Kickin' Korean Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Right, so you wanna make this amazing Korean coleslaw , eh? Forget that boring mayo laden stuff. This is a flavor bomb that will seriously upgrade your BBQ side dishes game.
Trust me, I've been there, done that, and this is a winner! It's easily one of the most refreshing BBQ sides !
Main Ingredients
Okay, let's talk cabbage. For the coleslaw itself, you'll need:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 6 cups / 500g ). Make sure the cabbage is firm and feels heavy for its size. That's how you know it's fresh.
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or grated (about 1 cup / 100g ). Get the brightest orange ones you can find.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 120g ). You want a nice, shiny one.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup / 50g )
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (about 15g ). Cilantro is one of those ingredients that are hard to fake, it needs to look fresh.
Next up, the dressing. This is where the magic happens:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ( 120ml )
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar ( 30ml )
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ( 15ml )
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - adjust to taste ( 15ml ). Taste it first, some are way spicier than others.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil ( 15ml ). Get the good stuff. It makes all the difference.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup ( 15ml )
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (about 5g )
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 3g )
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (about 1g )
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (about 1g ), or to taste
This coleslaw recipe will change how you do summer picnic sides !
Seasoning Notes for Cold Side Dishes for BBQ
The secret weapon is definitely the gochujang . It's that funky, spicy, umami kick. If you're not a fan, dial it back.
If you like heat, go wild. For aromatics, that ginger and garlic combo is chef's kiss . If you can't find rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch.
Just don’t tell anyone I said that. This will be the star of your potluck side dishes cold . It's also a great Asian slaw for BBQ .
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets, promise! For this grilling accompaniment you just need:
- A large mixing bowl. The bigger, the better.
- A whisk. To whip up that delicious dressing.
- A cutting board. Obvs.
- A knife or mandoline. For shredding the cabbage. If you don't have a mandoline, a sharp knife and some patience will do.
- A grater or julienne peeler. For the carrots.
And that's it! Told you it was easy. Now, let's get cooking. I had this once at the BBQ side dishes in the town of Surrey and I was hooked.
Enjoy this fantastic Korean coleslaw !
Kickin' Korean Coleslaw: The BBQ Sidekick You NEED
Honestly, is it even a proper BBQ without some banging cold side dishes for bbq ? I don't think so! And this Kickin' Korean Coleslaw? Oh my gosh, it's a total game changer.
Forget that bland mayo drenched stuff your aunt makes. This is next level think vibrant, tangy, and a little bit spicy.
It’s the perfect refreshing BBQ side to cut through all that rich, smoky goodness. Seriously, this recipe will elevate your summer picnic sides spread!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. We're talking essential mise en place . Chop, slice, and grate everything before you even think about the dressing.
- Shred 1 small head of green cabbage .
- Julienne or grate 2 medium carrots .
- Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper .
- Thinly slice 2 green onions .
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro .
It will only takes you about 20 minutes max to have everything ready.
Safety Reminder: Watch those fingers when you are working with a knife!. A mandoline can be really useful (and quick) for the cabbage, but be CAREFUL!
step-by-step to Coleslaw Glory
Here's the lowdown on how to make this amazingness.
- Combine all your prepped veggies in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together: 1/2 cup mayo , 2 tablespoons rice vinegar , 1 tablespoon soy sauce , 1 tablespoon gochujang , 1 tablespoon sesame oil , 1 tablespoon honey , 1 teaspoon grated ginger , 1 minced garlic clove , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
- Pour that dressing over the veggies.
- Toss it all together gently, making sure everything is coated.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Trust me , longer is better.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Coleslaw Success
Want to take your Asian slaw for BBQ to the next level? Here are some tricks I've learned over the years.
- Massage the cabbage . Before adding anything else, give the shredded cabbage a little massage with a pinch of salt. It helps soften it up.
- Adjust the heat . Gochujang is the key to that Korean kick, but it can be spicy! Start with a little, then add more to taste.
- make-ahead BBQ sides . This coleslaw actually tastes better the next day! The flavours meld together beautifully. It’s perfect for potluck side dishes cold !
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Coleslaw Secrets
Alright, before you dive into this Kickin' Korean coleslaw headfirst, let's chat. This isn't just another recipe. It's a flavour bomb waiting to happen, perfect as one of your go-to BBQ side dishes .
Honestly, it’s so good, it's practically addictive. Ready to unlock the coleslaw code?
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Skills
Presentation is key, my friend. Don't just dump this summer picnic sides in a bowl!
Plating & Presentation: Think vibrant! Serve it in a chilled bowl to keep it extra refreshing. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few extra cilantro sprigs for a pop of colour.
You could even get fancy and serve it in individual mason jars.
Complementary Sides & Beverages: This coleslaw recipe pairs amazingly with anything smoky and grilled. Think ribs, pulled pork, or even just a simple burger.
Wash it down with an ice-cold beer or some homemade lemonade for the ultimate BBQ experience. Don’t forget it is perfect cold salads for grilling .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Nobody wants soggy coleslaw, am I right?
Refrigeration Guidelines: Store your Asian slaw for BBQ in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
The flavours actually meld together and get even better overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead BBQ sides .
Freezing Options: Sorry, freezing isn't recommended for this one. The mayo tends to separate, and you'll end up with a watery mess. Best to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating Instructions: This is a cold side dishes for bbq , so no reheating needed. Just grab it straight from the fridge!
Variations: Make it Your Own
Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this thing!
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, simply swap out the mayo for a vegan alternative. Boom, done!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, you could add some shredded Brussels sprouts or kale for a heartier twist. Think about it, potluck side dishes cold can be tweaked with a little creativity.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This refreshing BBQ sides isn't just delicious. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals!
Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is around 200 calories, with a good dose of vitamins A and C from the veggies. It also provides some healthy fats from the sesame oil.
Key Health Benefits: Cabbage is a fantastic source of fiber, which is great for your digestion. The gochujang adds a little kick and some potential antioxidant benefits.
So, there you have it! My super simple but super amazing notes for this recipe. Go out there, give it a whirl, and prepare to be amazed.
Honestly, you won't regret it. Happy cooking, mate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Korean coleslaw ahead of time, like the night before my BBQ?
Absolutely! In fact, this Kickin' Korean Coleslaw is even better the next day. Chilling it allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. Think of it as marinating in flavour!
I'm not a huge fan of spicy food. Can I reduce the heat in this coleslaw?
No worries, mate! You can definitely tailor the spice level to your liking. The gochujang is what brings the heat, so start with a smaller amount maybe half a tablespoon and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
For a milder coleslaw, you could even substitute the gochujang with sriracha mixed with a pinch of brown sugar.
What are some good variations for these cold side dishes for BBQ, especially if I'm catering for vegetarians?
This Kickin' Korean Coleslaw is already vegetarian friendly! To amp it up, try adding some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavour. For other vegetarian options beyond coleslaw, consider a grilled halloumi and vegetable skewers, or a vibrant quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon herb dressing; both are perfect partners for anything coming off the barbie!
How long will this Korean coleslaw keep in the fridge?
This coleslaw will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, as long as it's stored properly in an airtight container. However, bear in mind that the cabbage will soften a bit over time, so it's best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the best texture.
Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
I don’t have rice vinegar, is there a good substitute for the coleslaw dressing?
Not to worry, a quick substitute will do the trick. You can easily swap rice wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar. The flavour profile will be slightly different, but they all provide that essential tang needed to balance the richness of the coleslaw.
Is this coleslaw a relatively healthy cold side dish for BBQ? What are the nutritional considerations?
Compared to some creamy BBQ sides, this coleslaw offers a good balance, particularly if you watch the mayonnaise portion. It's packed with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. However, be mindful of the sugar content from the honey or maple syrup and the sodium from the soy sauce.
For a healthier twist, you can use a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and reduce the honey slightly.
Kickin Korean Coleslaw A Bbq Game Changer
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |