Red BBQ Slaw: A Tangy and Vibrant Side Dish for Your Next Cookout

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Red BBQ Slaw: A Tangy and Vibrant Side Dish for Your Next Cookout

Red BBQ slaw is the perfect side dish to complement rich, smoky barbecue. This vibrant and flavorful slaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to heavier meats and sides. Unlike traditional mayonnaise-based coleslaw, red BBQ slaw boasts a tangy, slightly spicy, and deeply flavorful dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe provides detailed instructions for creating a slaw that’s both easy to make and unforgettable.

Why Red BBQ Slaw?

Traditional coleslaw, while delicious, can sometimes feel heavy and overpowering. Red BBQ slaw, on the other hand, is lighter, brighter, and packed with flavor. The combination of vinegar, ketchup, spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a dressing that cuts through the richness of barbecue, offering a palate-cleansing and refreshing experience. It’s a welcome departure from the ordinary and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your next cookout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

* **Cabbage:** The foundation of any good slaw. Use about 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded. You can also use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience, but freshly shredded always tastes better.
* **Red Onion:** Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the other flavors. Use about 1/2 of a medium red onion, thinly sliced.
* **Carrot:** Provides sweetness, color, and crunch. Use 1-2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned.
* **Bell Pepper:** Contributes sweetness and a mild, slightly fruity flavor. Red or orange bell peppers work best for color and sweetness; use about 1/2 of a pepper, thinly sliced.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** The base of the tangy dressing. Use 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. You can substitute with white vinegar, but the flavor will be different.
* **Ketchup:** Adds sweetness, tomato flavor, and color. Use 1/4 cup of ketchup.
* **Brown Sugar:** Balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness. Use 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds depth and a slight tang. Use 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds umami and complexity. Use 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
* **Hot Sauce:** For a touch of heat. Use your favorite hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Sriracha, to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
* **Celery Seed:** Adds a subtle celery flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.

Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the slaw.
* **Small Bowl or Jar:** For making the dressing.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the vegetables.
* **Grater or Food Processor:** For shredding the cabbage and carrots (optional).
* **Whisk or Fork:** For mixing the dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Red BBQ Slaw:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* **Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Shred the cabbage finely using a knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
* **Red Onion:** Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl with the cabbage.
* **Carrot:** Peel and shred or julienne the carrots. Add them to the bowl.
* **Bell Pepper:** Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell pepper. Thinly slice the bell pepper and add it to the bowl.

**2. Make the Dressing:**

* In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until the brown sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

**3. Combine and Marinate:**

* Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.
* Toss the vegetables thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.

**4. Adjust and Serve:**

* Before serving, give the slaw a good toss.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, hot sauce, or brown sugar to your liking.
* Serve the Red BBQ Slaw chilled alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.

Tips for the Best Red BBQ Slaw

* **Shred the Cabbage Finely:** Finely shredded cabbage absorbs the dressing better and creates a more pleasant texture.
* **Don’t Overdress:** Start with a slightly smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. You want the slaw to be coated, not swimming in dressing.
* **Marinate for at Least 2 Hours:** Marinating allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften. Overnight marinating is ideal.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Spice:** The amount of brown sugar and hot sauce can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the best-tasting slaw.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as shredded broccoli stalks, chopped celery, or diced pickles.
* **Make it Ahead:** Red BBQ slaw is a great make-ahead dish. It can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Drain Excess Liquid:** Before serving, if there’s a lot of excess liquid in the bowl, drain some of it off to prevent the slaw from being too watery.

Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Red BBQ Slaw:** Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
* **Sweet Red BBQ Slaw:** Increase the amount of brown sugar in the dressing.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Pineapple:** Add a can of crushed pineapple, drained, to the slaw for a tropical twist.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Jalapeños:** Add finely diced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Smoked Paprika:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing for a smoky flavor.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Apples:** Add diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) for sweetness and crunch.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Raisins or Cranberries:** Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
* **Red BBQ Slaw with Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Red BBQ Slaw is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including:

* **Pulled Pork Sandwiches:** The tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the pulled pork.
* **BBQ Ribs:** A refreshing counterpoint to the smoky ribs.
* **Grilled Chicken:** Adds flavor and moisture to grilled chicken.
* **Burgers:** A delicious topping for burgers.
* **Hot Dogs:** A classic combination.
* **Fish Tacos:** Adds a tangy crunch to fish tacos.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside any barbecue meal or picnic.

Health Benefits

Red BBQ slaw offers several health benefits:

* **Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:** Cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.
* **Good Source of Fiber:** Fiber promotes healthy digestion and helps you feel full.
* **Low in Calories:** Red BBQ slaw is a relatively low-calorie side dish.
* **Antioxidants:** The vegetables in red BBQ slaw are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against cell damage.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red BBQ Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw may become slightly softer over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Red BBQ Slaw Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for Red BBQ Slaw:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Marinating time:** 2 hours (minimum), preferably overnight

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded
* 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
* 1-2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned
* 1/2 red or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* Salt and black pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Shred the cabbage, slice the red onion and bell pepper, and shred or julienne the carrots. Place all vegetables in a large bowl.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until the brown sugar is dissolved.
3. **Combine and Marinate:** Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. **Adjust and Serve:** Before serving, toss the slaw. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve chilled.

Enjoy your tangy and delicious Red BBQ Slaw!

Conclusion

Red BBQ slaw is a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread. Its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile perfectly complements rich, smoky meats and other savory dishes. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your preferences. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress your guests with this vibrant and flavorful side dish. Your next cookout will be a hit with this Red BBQ Slaw recipe!

This versatile slaw is not just limited to summer barbecues; it’s a welcome addition to any meal where you crave a burst of freshness and flavor. Experiment with different variations, add your favorite ingredients, and make it your own signature slaw. Whether you’re serving it alongside pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or fish tacos, Red BBQ slaw is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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