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The Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe is a vibrant, crunchy delight that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Perfect for when you want something fresh yet packed with a little heat, this slaw combines crisp napa and red cabbage, sweet carrots, and colorful bell peppers with a spicy, tangy dressing featuring authentic Korean gochujang. Whether you’re looking for a zesty side dish or a refreshing topping for sandwiches and tacos, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and guaranteed to brighten your meal with its exciting flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and well-balanced ingredients that create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role from the crunchy vegetables to the spicy and savory dressing, making this dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 small head napa cabbage: Provides a tender, crisp base that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup red cabbage: Adds a vibrant color contrast and extra crunch.
- 4 green onions: Brings a fresh, mild oniony bite that wakes up the palate.
- 1 large carrot: Shredded for sweetness and subtle earthiness.
- 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced to add a juicy, sweet crunch and rich red color.
- 6 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar: Balances the slaw with a tangy acidity that brightens everything.
- 2-3 tablespoons gochujang: The soul of the dish, this Korean chile paste offers a perfect blend of heat and umami.
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil: Helps meld the dressing ingredients smoothly and adds a light richness.
- 2 cloves garlic: Pressed fresh, contributing a punch of aromatic spice.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses a savory depth, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Toasted or plain, sprinkled on top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing the napa cabbage and red cabbage to create that essential crunch and visual contrast. Chop the green onions and shred the carrot; these fresh ingredients add vibrant colors and layers of texture. Finally, seed and thinly slice the red bell pepper, which brings a lovely sweetness to balance the spicy dressing. Gathering and prepping these vegetables well ensures a perfect, lively slaw.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a glass jar with a lid, combine seasoned rice vinegar, gochujang, grapeseed or canola oil, pressed garlic, grated fresh ginger, and soy sauce. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined. If the ingredients resist mixing, use a whisk to emulsify the dressing. This spicy-sour mix is the heart of your Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe and packs all the delicious flavor punch!
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the bowl of prepared vegetables. Toss everything together, making sure each morsel of cabbage and pepper is beautifully coated in the vibrant, spicy sauce. Top with sesame seeds for an irresistible finish that adds just the right nutty crunch and visual charm.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Marinate
For the flavors to meld perfectly, refrigerate your slaw for at least 15 minutes. If you can wait longer, letting it chill overnight only deepens the spicy, tangy notes. This marinating step is where your Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe really develops that lively taste profile that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Serve Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving for an extra layer of texture and a pop of fresh color. For a bit of indulgence, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma that enhances every bite of this spicy slaw.
Side Dishes
This Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Korean-style BBQ short ribs or smoky chicken skewers. It also balances hearty grain bowls, steamed rice, or even a casual burger or sandwich, adding a refreshing crunch and zesty kick that elevates any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this slaw as a vibrant taco topping for fish or pork tacos to introduce exciting Korean flavors. You can also use it as a base for a colorful Asian-inspired salad by adding cubed tofu or crispy fried wontons on top. The versatility of this dish makes it a fantastic addition to your culinary toolbox.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors will intensify and the texture will remain crisp if not overdressed. Give it a gentle toss before serving to revive its freshness.
Freezing
This slaw is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated since freezing will compromise the texture of the crunchy vegetables and likely turn the dressing watery. For the best experience, avoid freezing; instead, prepare smaller batches as needed.
Reheating
Since this slaw is a cold dish meant to retain crispness and freshness, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the lively mix of flavors and textures that make this Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe?
Absolutely! The gochujang chili paste is where most of the heat comes from, so feel free to tailor the amount to your liking. Start with 2 tablespoons for a milder kick and add more until you reach the perfect level of spice for your palate.
What if I can’t find gochujang at my local store?
If gochujang is not readily available, you can try ordering it online or substitute with a mix of miso paste and chili garlic sauce to approximate the flavor. While it won’t be exactly the same, this blend can still deliver a nice spicy-umami punch.
Can this slaw be made vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as is. Just ensure your soy sauce isn’t processed with any animal products, and if you want to keep it gluten-free, opt for tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
How long does the slaw stay crunchy after dressing?
The slaw stays crispiest within the first 24 hours after dressing. Over time, some softening naturally occurs as the cabbage absorbs the dressing, but it remains delicious and flavorful for a couple of days when stored properly.
Can I add protein to the Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe?
Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu turns this slaw into a satisfying main dish. It’s also wonderful sprinkled with crunchy nuts or seeds for some extra protein and texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in a rush or looking to add a flavorful twist to your meal, the Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe offers a fantastic blend of freshness, spice, and crunch that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat. Give it a try and discover how this lively slaw can become your new go-to side or topping that brightens up any dish with its bold Korean-inspired flavors.
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Quick Korean Spicy Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Quick Korean Spicy Slaw that combines crunchy napa and red cabbage with colorful vegetables and a bold, tangy, and spicy dressing made from gochujang, rice vinegar, and fresh aromatics. Perfect as a side dish or a refreshing topping for Korean-inspired meals, this slaw is quick to prepare with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
Dressing
- 6 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chile paste), to your taste for heat
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the Napa and red cabbages, chop the green onions, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Combine all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a glass jar with a lid, add the seasoned rice vinegar, gochujang, grapeseed oil (or canola oil), pressed garlic, grated fresh ginger, and soy sauce. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined into a smooth dressing. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together if they don’t mix easily.
- Toss the slaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of mixed vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the spicy, tangy dressing.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the slaw for added texture and nutty flavor. Refrigerate the slaw for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but it can be chilled overnight for deeper flavor development before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your preferred spice level.
- This slaw keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds before adding them.
- Use seasoned rice vinegar for a balanced tangy-sweet flavor; if unavailable, a mix of rice vinegar and a little sugar can substitute.
- Can be served as a side dish, topping for tacos or burgers, or mixed into bowls for added crunch and spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
