Ramen Coleslaw: A Crunchy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Salad
Ramen coleslaw is a vibrant and delicious salad that takes the traditional coleslaw to a whole new level. The addition of crunchy ramen noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and a flavorful dressing creates an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or simply as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals. It’s quick to prepare, easily customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
## What Makes Ramen Coleslaw So Special?
Traditional coleslaw is often made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. While perfectly enjoyable, ramen coleslaw offers a unique textural contrast and an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors. The crispy ramen noodles provide a satisfying crunch, while the toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and flavor. The dressing, typically a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and other seasonings, complements the vegetables perfectly.
## Key Ingredients for the Best Ramen Coleslaw
To create an exceptional ramen coleslaw, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
* **Cabbage:** The foundation of any coleslaw. You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both for added color and visual appeal. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a convenient option, but shredding your own cabbage ensures freshness and optimal texture.
* **Carrots:** Provide sweetness, color, and a delightful crunch. Shred them thinly or julienne them for the best results.
* **Green Onions:** Add a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green hue. Slice them thinly on a bias for an elegant presentation.
* **Ramen Noodles:** The star of the show! Use the dry ramen noodles from the instant ramen packets, discarding the seasoning packet (or save it for another use). Crush the noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the salad.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Toasted sesame seeds enhance the nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch. Toasting them in a dry pan for a few minutes intensifies their flavor.
* **Almonds (Optional):** Sliced almonds contribute another layer of crunch and nutty flavor. You can toast them alongside the sesame seeds for enhanced flavor.
* **Sunflower Seeds (Optional):** Offer a similar crunch to almonds and provide additional nutrients.
* **Dressing Ingredients:** This is where you can customize the flavor profile of your coleslaw. The base typically consists of:
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds savory umami flavor.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Provides a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
* **Sesame Oil:** Imparts a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Sugar or Honey:** Sweetens the dressing and balances the tartness of the rice vinegar.
* **Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil:** Adds body and helps emulsify the dressing.
* **Ginger (Optional):** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note.
* **Garlic (Optional):** Minced garlic enhances the savory flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** Adds a touch of heat.
## Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ramen Coleslaw
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and visually appealing ramen coleslaw:
**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
* If using whole cabbage, remove the outer leaves and shred the cabbage thinly using a knife, mandoline, or food processor.
* Shred the carrots thinly or julienne them. You can use a box grater or a vegetable peeler to create thin strips.
* Thinly slice the green onions on a bias.
**2. Toast the Ramen Noodles and Seeds:**
* Crush the dry ramen noodles into smaller pieces. You can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands.
* In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and almonds (if using) for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Watch carefully, as they can burn quickly.
* Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
**3. Prepare the Dressing:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), vegetable oil, ginger (if using), garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar or honey is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or sugar for sweetness.
**4. Assemble the Coleslaw:**
* In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
* Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Start with about ¾ of the dressing and add more if needed, depending on your preference.
* Add the cooled ramen noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and almonds (if using). Toss gently to combine.
**5. Chill and Serve:**
* Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling also helps the coleslaw to stay crisp.
* Before serving, toss the coleslaw again to redistribute the dressing and ensure that the noodles are still crunchy. If the noodles have softened too much, you can add a few more toasted noodles just before serving.
* Serve the ramen coleslaw chilled as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for your favorite grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches.
## Tips for Making the Best Ramen Coleslaw
* **Don’t dress the coleslaw too far in advance:** The ramen noodles will soften if they sit in the dressing for too long. It’s best to add the dressing and noodles shortly before serving. If you need to make the coleslaw ahead of time, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
* **Toast the noodles and seeds properly:** Toasting enhances the flavor and texture of the noodles and seeds. Be sure to toast them until golden brown and fragrant, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Adjust the dressing to your liking:** The dressing is the key to a flavorful ramen coleslaw. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or sugar for sweetness.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your ramen coleslaw, such as shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or snow peas.
* **Make it vegetarian or vegan:** To make a vegetarian ramen coleslaw, simply omit any meat-based ingredients. To make it vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing. Also, ensure your ramen noodles are vegan friendly (some contain egg).
* **Add protein:** For a more substantial salad, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Make it spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor. Use freshly shredded cabbage and carrots, and freshly chopped green onions.
## Variations on Ramen Coleslaw
The beauty of ramen coleslaw is its versatility. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
* **Spicy Ramen Coleslaw:** Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Ginger-Garlic Ramen Coleslaw:** Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and a clove of minced garlic to the dressing for a more pronounced Asian flavor.
* **Peanut Ramen Coleslaw:** Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing for a creamy and nutty flavor. Garnish with chopped peanuts.
* **Mango Ramen Coleslaw:** Add diced mango to the coleslaw for a tropical twist. Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar in the dressing.
* **Broccoli Slaw Ramen Coleslaw:** Substitute broccoli slaw for the cabbage for a different texture and flavor.
* **Asian Chicken Ramen Coleslaw:** Add shredded cooked chicken to the coleslaw for a complete meal.
* **Vegan Ramen Coleslaw:** Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing and ensure your ramen noodles are vegan-friendly.
## Serving Suggestions
Ramen coleslaw is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or chicken.
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Topping:** Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or tacos.
* **Lunch:** Pack it for lunch as a refreshing and flavorful salad.
* **Potluck Dish:** It’s a perfect potluck dish because it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
## How to Store Ramen Coleslaw
Ramen coleslaw is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the ramen noodles will soften over time, so it’s best to add them just before serving. Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Ramen Coleslaw Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create the perfect ramen coleslaw:
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix (or 6 cups shredded cabbage and 2 cups shredded carrots)
* 4 green onions, thinly sliced
* 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, crushed
* 1/4 cup sesame seeds
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
**Dressing:**
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
* 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions.
2. **Toast the ramen noodles and seeds:** In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the crushed ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and almonds (if using) for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. **Prepare the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar (or honey), sesame oil, ginger (if using), garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar or honey is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. **Assemble the coleslaw:** Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooled ramen noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and almonds (if using). Toss gently to combine.
5. **Chill and serve:** Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss the coleslaw again to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled.
## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 2-4g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutrition information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Ramen coleslaw is a delightful and versatile salad that is sure to impress. With its combination of crunchy textures, vibrant flavors, and ease of preparation, it’s the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy this unique twist on a classic coleslaw! Experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!