Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies

Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies Recipe - A Refreshing Twist on Classic Coleslaw

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the tanginess of seasoned rice vinegar and the nuttiness of sesame oil. This slaw is not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients but also a delight to the palate with its mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Perfect as a side dish, a healthy lunch option, or a refreshing snack, this recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.

History

The concept of slaw, originating from the Dutch word "sla" meaning salad, has been around for centuries. However, the Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies is a modern take that incorporates elements of Asian cuisine, such as sesame oil and rice vinegar, to create a unique and contemporary dish. This recipe reflects the growing trend of fusion cooking, where traditional Western dishes are infused with Asian flavors to create something new and exciting.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of seasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp of dark sesame oil
1 tbsp of honey
0.5 tsp of salt
2 tsp of seeded and minced jalapeno pepper
1 each of Gala, golden, and granny smith apple, thinly sliced
8 cups of finely shredded cabbage
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
0.5 of a seedless cucumber, cut into thin strips
3 thinly sliced scallions
0.75 cup of cilantro
2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds
1 container (85 g) of radish sprouts

How to prepare

In a bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients until they are well blended.
Add the apple slices to the bowl and toss them to coat them evenly.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the radish sprouts, to the bowl and toss them to coat them evenly.
Before serving, scatter the radish sprouts over the slaw and toss everything together.

Variations

For a sweeter slaw, add more honey or include other fruits like mango or pineapple.
Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Add nuts like almonds or peanuts for extra crunch and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best texture and flavor for your Asian Sesame Apple Slaw, consider the following tips:

- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices of apples and vegetables.

- Toast the sesame seeds lightly to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Add the dressing to the slaw just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of minced jalapeno pepper according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This slaw can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, as a topping for tacos or burgers, or simply on its own as a light meal. It's also perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing this slaw is in the slicing of the ingredients. Thin, uniform slices ensure that the dressing coats every piece evenly and makes the dish more enjoyable to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have seasoned rice vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar.

- Any crunchy vegetable like carrots or radishes can be used in place of or in addition to the ones listed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Combine them just before serving to keep the slaw fresh and crunchy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the slaw in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This slaw pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken, grilled salmon, or tofu stir-fry. It also complements barbecue and other hearty, savory flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It is not recommended to freeze this dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake. The exact number of calories will depend on the serving size.

Carbohydrates

This slaw is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the apples and vegetables. The honey adds a minimal amount of carbs. Overall, this dish can be a suitable part of a low-carb diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the dark sesame oil, which is rich in unsaturated fats. These are the healthier types of fats that can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

While this slaw is not high in protein, it does contain small amounts from the sesame seeds and the vegetables. For a higher protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or nuts.

Vitamins and minerals

This slaw is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of fruits and vegetables used. Apples, cabbage, bell pepper, and cucumber are all excellent sources of Vitamin C, while cilantro and sesame seeds provide iron and magnesium.

Alergens

The main allergens to be aware of in this recipe are sesame seeds and possibly honey. Those with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and carbohydrates, contains healthy fats, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the crisp textures of fresh vegetables and apples with the rich flavors of sesame and rice vinegar. It's versatile, easy to make, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a light lunch option, a vibrant side dish, or a tasty snack, this slaw is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her beautiful garden. Mei Ling and I have been friends for over 30 years, and she has always been a source of inspiration for me when it comes to cooking.

As we sat in her garden sipping on tea, Mei Ling suddenly got up and disappeared into her kitchen. I could hear her bustling about, pots and pans clanging together. After a few minutes, she emerged with a big bowl of a colorful and delicious looking salad. It was a mix of crunchy veggies, sweet apples, and a savory sesame dressing.

"Try this, my dear," Mei Ling said, handing me a fork. "It's my Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies. I think you will love it."

I took a bite and was instantly blown away by the flavors. The crispness of the veggies, the sweetness of the apples, and the nuttiness of the sesame dressing all came together perfectly. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish.

Mei Ling, being the generous soul that she is, sat me down and taught me how to make her recipe. She showed me how to julienne the veggies, slice the apples thinly, and make the sesame dressing from scratch. It was a labor of love, but the end result was worth it.

From that day on, Mei Ling's Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies became a staple in my recipe book. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. It never failed to impress whoever tasted it.

Over the years, I have tweaked Mei Ling's recipe to make it my own. I added a bit of spice with some red pepper flakes, swapped out the veggies depending on what I had on hand, and even experimented with adding different nuts for some extra crunch. But the essence of the dish always remained the same - fresh, flavorful, and undeniably delicious.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe holds for me. The laughter shared with friends and family over a big bowl of Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies, the satisfied smiles on their faces as they savored each bite, and the warmth that filled my heart knowing that I had learned something special from a dear friend.

Mei Ling's recipe for Asian Sesame Apple Slaw with Veggies will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of friendship, the joy of cooking, and the beauty of sharing something as simple yet profound as a delicious meal with the ones you love.

And as I finish writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the day that Mei Ling introduced me to this wonderful recipe. It has brought so much happiness and flavor into my life, and for that, I will always be thankful.