This Spicy Pickled Cabbage Salad is a tangy, flavorful dish that blends the crunch of cabbage with a spicy kick from chilies and a savory depth from fish sauce. Perfect as a side dish or an appetizer, this salad brings a burst of freshness and heat to any meal. The balance of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors makes it incredibly addictive, and it’s a great way to use fresh vegetables in a fun and bold way.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 2-3 hours for marinating
- Total Time: 2-3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Cuisine This recipe is inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, where pickled vegetables and spicy salads are common. The use of fish sauce, chilies, and lemon juice creates a distinctly tangy and spicy flavor profile.
Full List of Ingredients
- 170g cabbage, finely shredded
- 50g carrots, julienned
- 1 onion (20g), thinly sliced
- 150g cucumber, thinly sliced
- 100g red chili, chopped
- 60g yellow chili, chopped
- 70g white sugar
- 40ml fish sauce
- 25g chili powder (or fresh chili, depending on your heat preference)
- 7 garlic cloves (30g), minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10g coriander, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by finely shredding the cabbage and placing it in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel and julienne the carrots. Slice the onion and cucumber thinly. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with the cabbage.
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Make the Pickling Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the red chili, yellow chili, chili powder, minced garlic, white sugar, fish sauce, lemon juice, and chopped coriander. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are evenly combined.
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Combine and Marinate:
- Pour the pickling mixture over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss the mixture well to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the spicy marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the salad sit for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- After the marinating time, give the salad a quick toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (you can add more sugar, fish sauce, or lemon juice as needed).
- Serve the Spicy Pickled Cabbage Salad cold, garnished with additional fresh coriander, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Pickled vegetables are a common feature in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are known for their refreshing and tangy flavor, which pairs well with rice and other savory dishes. The addition of fish sauce and chilies adds a depth of umami and spice, making this dish both a great side dish and a snack. This Spicy Pickled Cabbage Salad is influenced by traditional Asian-style pickles and salads, offering a spicy kick and crunchy texture.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Fresh: The cabbage and carrots offer a satisfying crunch, while the pickling process gives the vegetables a delightful tangy flavor.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and chilies creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice tolerance, making it as mild or as hot as you like.
- Healthy and Refreshing: This salad is low in calories but high in flavor, offering a healthy side to accompany any meal.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: The cabbage and carrots provide fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Full of Vitamins: The vegetables used in this recipe are rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health.
- Low in Fat: This salad is low in fat, making it a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal.
- Antioxidants: The garlic, chili, and coriander in this recipe provide antioxidant benefits that help protect the body from free radicals.
Serving Suggestions
- With Grilled Meat: Serve this salad alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef for a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes.
- As a Side Dish: This salad makes a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal or even as part of a larger buffet.
- With Rice or Noodles: Pair this salad with steamed rice or noodles for a light and flavorful meal.
Cooking Tips
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a less spicy salad, reduce the amount of fresh chili or chili powder. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of chili for a more intense heat.
- Quick Pickle: If you’re short on time, you can pickle the vegetables for just 30 minutes to an hour, though the flavors will be more intense after longer marination.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor. If your cabbage is wilting, the salad won’t have the same crunch.
- Make It Vegan: To make this salad vegan, substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a plant-based option.
Variations to Try
- Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to this salad to make it a more substantial dish.
- Try Different Vegetables: While cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers work perfectly in this recipe, you can experiment with other vegetables like radishes, daikon, or bell peppers.
- Sweetened Version: If you prefer a slightly sweeter pickle, increase the sugar amount or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Conclusion This Spicy Pickled Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables, makes this an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and add some exciting flavor to your meals.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use regular white sugar instead of the sugar specified in the recipe? Yes, you can use regular white sugar. The recipe will still work perfectly fine, but the white sugar may have a slightly different sweetness than other types of sugar.
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Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
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Can I make this salad less spicy? Yes, you can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of fresh chili or chili powder. You can also omit the chilies altogether if you prefer a mild version.
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What other vegetables can I use in this salad? You can add vegetables like radishes, bell peppers, or even napa cabbage for a unique twist.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, you can substitute the lemon juice with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
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Can I add protein to this salad? Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be a great way to make this salad a more filling meal.
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Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as long as the fish sauce you use is gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten).
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Can I make this salad sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the sugar content or add a touch of honey.
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Can I make this salad spicier? Yes, you can increase the amount of chili or chili flakes for a spicier kick.