Gourmet Meal

Alice Brown

Experienced and passionate pastry chef with a flair for creative desserts. Adept at crafting delicious treats, utilizing quality ingredients, and maintaining high standards of excellence in culinary artistry.

Cabbage Apple Slaw

Name: Cabbage Apple Slaw
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 3 cups cabbage; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 cup carrot; 1 cup apple or Asian pear; 2 stalks green onion; 2 medium cloves garlic; 1 inch piece fresh ginger; 1 ½ Tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tsp maple syrup; 2-4 tsp gochujang or gochugaru

Cabbage Apple Slaw, also known as Quick Kimchi-inspired Slaw is a popular dish hailing from Korean cuisine. It makes a vibrant, crunchy and tangy side dish complementing most Korean mains, and is perfect to serve during special occasions, festive gatherings or simply a family dinner because of its fresh, flavorful addition to any meal.

This recipe incorporates a blend of thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, apple or Asian pear, seasoned with a homemade dressing made with garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optionally, gochujang - a red chilli paste for added kick. It's enticing because it balances fresh and spicy flavors wonderfully within a short preparation time.

Culturally speaking, this cabbage slaw recipe is a quick alternate to kimchi which traditionally requires fermentation for a week. In just 20 minutes, and using 10 ingredients, you can enjoy a Korean-inspired slaw. So gear up to add a bit of Korean touch to your meals with this delicious slaw.

Calories
80
Time
20
Portions
4
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Slaw

Cabbage 3 cups
Sea Salt 1/2 tsp
Carrot 1 cup
Apple Or Asian Pear 1 cup
Green Onion 2 stalks

Dressing

Garlic 2 medium cloves
Fresh Ginger 1 inch piece
Rice Vinegar 1 ½ Tbsp
Toasted Sesame Oil 1 tsp
Maple Syrup 1/2 tsp
Gochujang Or Gochugaru 2-4 tsp

Preparation

Prepare the slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and salt. Massage with clean hands for 2-3 minutes, until the cabbage has reduced a bit and just begins to release some moisture
Add the grated carrot, grated apple or pear, and green onions. Toss until evenly combined.

Prepare the dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the pressed or grated garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and gochujang or gochugaru (optional).
Whisk to combine, then add to the slaw and toss to combine. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more rice vinegar for brightness, maple syrup for sweetness, gochujang (or gochugaru) for heat, or salt for overall balance.

Suggestions

Choice of Cabbage

You can also use the traditional napa cabbage for this slaw, however, you may need to add 1-2 more cups as napa cabbage tends to reduce much more than green or red cabbage when massaged.

Pairing Options

Serve this immediately with your favorite Korean mains, or alongside anything spicy and savory that could use a fresh and crunchy side dish. It is the perfect companion for dishes like bibimbap and Korean-style cauliflower wings.

Storage and Consumption

This cabbage apple slaw strangely doesn't lend well to freezing but it keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For best taste, consume fresh within a day or two.

Frequent Questions

Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can. If maple syrup is not available, honey can be a great alternative. Remember that the sweetness level can vary with different sweeteners, so adjust the amount as per your taste.

What are some alternatives for gochujang or gochugaru?

If you can't find gochujang or gochugaru, you can substitute it with any red chili paste or red chili flakes. However, note that the flavor and heat intensity can vary, so you should start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Does the apple or pear need to be peeled?

No, the apple or pear does not need to be peeled before grating. The skin adds a nice texture to the slaw and also contains nutrients. However, if you prefer, you can peel them.

Could other proteins be added to this dish?

While traditionally this Cabbage Apple Slaw is served as a vegetarian side dish, you could certainly add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal. Just be sure to adjust the rest of your meal plan accordingly.

Can I prepare this Cabbage Apple Slaw in advance?

You can definitely prepare individual parts of this dish in advance. For instance, the dressing can be prepared and stored in the fridge a day in advance. However, I would recommend combining everything fresh for serving as the crunchiness of the slaw might get lost with time.