Spicy Asian Slaw Recipe with Basil is quick and easy to make and is packed with incredibly delicious, super fresh Asian flavors. This sweet and spicy coleslaw is perfect for a side, first course or vegan entrée salad.
It’s just so pretty, isn’t it? I think so — the Asian Slaw and the bowl itself. 😉
This is the spicy Asian slaw that I whipped up for my husband’s birthday, to go with the Smoky Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs. It was a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Perfect, I tell you!
How to Serve Spicy Asian Slaw Recipe with Basil
- It can be a beautiful first course.
- Or an entrée salad served with bread, fruit or perhaps even with a grain, like rice, mixed into it.
- It’s fabulous when added to a sandwich or burger.
- And wonderful alongside steak, chicken or a hearty fish.
- I love it rolled into tortilla for a delicious wrap with deli meats.
- And you can even try topping a bowl of chili with it. (That might sound unusual, but I’ve done it, and I’m telling you, it’s so good.)
Although a vegan would be thrilled to be served this on its own, I would personally, absolutely love this Spicy Asian Slaw with meats and poultry.
It’s especially tasty with my Grilled Coffee Balsamic Flank Steak. Delicious side-by-side, or, imagine both in a sandwich.
It’s also amazing with Korean Pear Marinated Rib Eye Steak. 
I said “whipped up” earlier, and I meant it. This spicy Asian slaw is truly easy to make.
Can you make Spicy Asian Slaw with Basil ahead?
- While this is quick and easy enough that you can put it together just twenty minutes or so before you want to serve it, it only gets better with time.
- The longer it marinates, the more delicious it is.
- I wouldn’t add the dressing more than 4 hours ahead. You can mix all of the other ingredients together up to a day ahead — just wrap it well and keep it refrigerated.
Recipe Tip
- It will definitely wilt after the dressing is mixed in, so if you prefer it with a bit more crunch, don’t add the dressing until closer to serving time.
I hope you enjoy every last bite of this delicious Spicy Asian Slaw with Basil.
Spicy Asian Slaw Recipe with Basil is quick and easy to make and is packed with incredibly delicious, super fresh Asian flavors. This sweet and spicy coleslaw is perfect for a side, first course or vegan entrée salad.
*This is delicious if you serve it immediately, but you can also let it sit in the dressing to soften the vegetables and intensify the flavors. If desired, let it marinate for at least an hour and up to 4 hours.
- 4 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons chili paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger pulp
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 4 cups green cabbage, washed and dried, finely sliced
- 1½ cups red bell pepper, washed and dried, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- about 3 dozen medium-sized basil leaves, washed and dried, finely chopped
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In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar with the lemon juice, sugar, garlic, chili paste and ginger. Once it's blended, gradually whisk in the oil. Set aside.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, peppers, onion and basil.
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Drizzle the slaw with the dressing and serve!
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DIANA MILLER says
SCRUMPTIOUS & SO REFRESHING!THANKS FOR SHARING!I made it with napa cabbage that I soaked in cold water and ice cubes and spin dried, so crunchy could have put a touch more sambal olek , my son wants the recipe — he says its a keeper , Diana from Toronto
valentina says
Thanks so much Diana! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. I love Napa cabbage and bet it was delicious!
linda says
Thai basil would also be delicious.
valentina says
Thanks, Linda! 🙂
Melissa @ My Wife Can Cook says
This looks delicious! We became obessed with slaws over the summer. And I have a just enough basil left in the garden for this. Definitely trying this weekend!
valentina says
Love that you can grab basil from your garden! Enjoy and thank you! 🙂
Kristine says
I love the flavor of basil and this slaw recipe looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it, thanks!
valentina says
Thank you!
Julia (@imagelicious) says
I like how simple this slaw is but how it packs a lot of flavour with all the ginger and Chili and lemon and garlic! Yum
valentina says
Thanks so much, Julia! 🙂
jayne says
I am a big fan of an Asian slaw and love the sound of your dressing! great flavours going on
valentina says
Thanks so much, Jayne. Hope you try it. 🙂
Just Jo says
Oh this is fantastic – I’m always trying to come up with new slaw ideas, especially non-creamy ones and this looks perfect. I love sambal oelek too 🙂
valentina says
Thank you! (I have to always have sambal oelek at the ready!) 🙂
David says
Nice bright flavors and colors! And I love anything with sambal oelek. Bring that I can’t eat sriracha, this chile paste is perfect for me!
valentina says
Thank you, David! Can’t live without my Sambal Oelek. 🙂 Enjoy!
sippitysup says
As we head into prime cooking season and all those holiday parties and meals it’s great to have a few “make ahead” lifesavers like this beauty. GREG
valentina says
Thanks, Greg. Oh yes, perfect for the holiday season! 🙂
Hilary says
I made this the other night with pre packaged cole slaw mix (i’m super lazy.) It was so delicious, I practically ate the entire thing before it got to the table! I’m making it again today for a Memorial Day bbq.