Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles is a delightful and crunchy dish that adds a fresh twist to your meals. This vibrant salad combines crisp vegetables with the savory crunch of ramen, creating a refreshing accompaniment for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing a picnic, or just looking for a quick side dish, this coleslaw offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its easy preparation and the ability to make ahead of time, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys healthy and delicious dishes.
Why We Love This Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Chinese coleslaw not only because it’s delicious but also for its incredible versatility. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions offers a colorful and nutritious base, while the ramen noodles add a unique crunch. The dressing, made with a delicious blend of vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, brings all the ingredients together harmoniously. Plus, this dish is perfect for any season. Easy to prepare, it’s a fantastic recipe to have up your sleeve, especially when you want something quick yet satisfying. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make time and time again.
Ingredients about Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
To create your own Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 package ramen noodles
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and/or red)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
When preparing this dish, make sure your produce is fresh and crisp to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How to Make Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles Directions
Making Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles is a breeze. Start by breaking up the ramen noodles into smaller pieces. You can do this by either using your hands or placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them lightly with a rolling pin. Make sure to discard the seasoning packet, as it won’t be needed for this recipe.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken ramen noodles with the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and slivered almonds. This blend of ingredients will create the colorful and crunchy foundation for your salad, making it visually appealing as well.
Next, you’ll need to prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This dressing is what gives the salad its unique flavor profile, with a delightful balance of acidity and sweetness.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss the salad gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. This step allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop further, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. During this time, the ramen noodles will soak up some of the dressing, adding to their flavorful crunch.
Finally, give the salad one more gentle toss before serving. You’ll notice how vibrant and appetizing your Chinese coleslaw looks—ready to impress your family and friends!
How to Serve Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
Serving Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles is equally effortless as making it. You can present it in a large serving bowl for a shared experience, or you can portion it into individual servings for guests or family members.
This salad makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or any Asian-inspired main course. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider pairing it with other appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings to create a complete meal experience.
For a potluck or picnic, this coleslaw can be a star dish. Its crunchy texture makes it appealing even after a few hours at room temperature. Just be sure to keep it covered until it’s served to maintain its freshness.
If you want to add an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional slivered almonds or sesame seeds on top before serving. This provides a wonderful finishing touch, enhancing the flavor and making your dish even more visually striking.
Expert Tips: Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
To truly elevate your Chinese coleslaw, consider these expert tips:
- Customize Your Crunch: If almonds aren’t your favorite, feel free to switch them out for sunflower seeds, pecans, or cashews. They all add a delicious crunch and different flavor profiles.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final dish. Fresh, crisp vegetables not only taste better but also provide better texture.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more rice vinegar to your dressing. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, increase the sugar slightly.
- Add Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, consider tossing in some grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. This addition will give you a hearty dish that can serve as an excellent lunch or dinner.
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw can be made a few hours ahead of time. Just remember to toss it lightly before serving to refresh the ingredients and the dressing.
- Store Properly: If you’re making this ahead for meal prep, consider storing the salad and dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy it. This helps to keep the ramen noodles crispy.
How to Store Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the ingredients from becoming soggy and preserves their crispness.
Your Chinese coleslaw will remain fresh for up to three days in the fridge. However, for the best taste and texture, try to enjoy it within the first couple of days. If you notice the ramen noodles becoming too soft or the salad losing its crunch, consider adding a few fresh ingredients or more dressing to revive it.
If you have made the dressing separately, you can also store that in a sealed container for about a week. When you’re ready to serve the salad again, simply whisk the dressing and combine it with the salad for a fresh taste.
Variation of Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
This recipe provides a great base, but there are numerous variations you can try to customize the dish to your taste. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Add Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, consider adding diced apples or mandarin oranges. The fruit brings a fresh element to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing. This addition can elevate the flavor profile and add a bit of warmth to your salad.
- Different Cabbage Varieties: Instead of using just green and red cabbage, you can explore other varieties, such as napa cabbage or bok choy, for a different texture and taste.
- Herbs and Greens: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. They can add an aromatic touch and a vibrant color to your dish.
- Noodle Alternatives: Instead of traditional ramen noodles, try using rice noodles or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. This versatility allows you to cater to different dietary needs.
- Crunchy Toppings: Mix in other crunchy toppings like crispy wontons or chow mein noodles for added texture and flavor contrast.
FAQ about Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
What types of cabbage work best in a Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles?
You can use any type of cabbage, but green cabbage and red cabbage are common choices. They provide great texture and color, making your coleslaw visually appealing.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is an excellent way to save time when making the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use a plant-based soy sauce. Ensure that all your ingredients, including the ramen noodles, are free from animal products.
Is it possible to add protein to the salad?
Yes, it’s easy to include protein sources such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. This addition makes the dish heartier and suitable as a main course.
How long does Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last up to three days in the refrigerator. However, the noodles may become softer over time.
What if I want to change the flavor profile of this salad?
You can customize the flavor by adding different seasonings, such as sesame oil, ginger, or chili oil. This helps create a unique taste that you’ll enjoy.
By following this guide, you can create a delicious and crunchy Chinese coleslaw with ramen noodles that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and savoring this delightful dish!
Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
Vegetables and Crunch
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and/or red) Ensure fresh and crisp.
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds Can substitute with sunflower seeds or pecans.
- 1 package ramen noodles Discard seasoning packet and break into smaller pieces.
Dressing
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar Adjust for tanginess if desired.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use plant-based for vegan version.
- 2 tablespoons sugar Adjust for sweetness if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Break up the ramen noodles into smaller pieces by using your hands or crushing them lightly in a zip-top bag.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and slivered almonds.
Dressing Preparation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Finishing Touches
- Let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Toss again gently before serving.
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