Slaws

Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw

Name: Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (3 oz) ramen noodles; 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated; 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

By Priya Nair · June 18, 2026 · Slaws

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember my first encounter with Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw at a local food festival. The combination of crunchy vegetables, savory sesame dressing, and chewy ramen noodles was an instant hit. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This slaw is more than just a side dish - it's a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking.

The key to a great Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw is to use fresh and seasonal ingredients. I like to shop at my local farmers' market to find the best produce. For this recipe, you'll need a variety of colorful vegetables, including red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making the perfect Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw. From preparing the ingredients to assembling the dish, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your slaw turns out delicious and visually appealing.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meal routine. So, let's get started and create a delicious Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking.
The slaw is perfect for any time of the year and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
The savory sesame dressing is a game-changer and can be used in a variety of dishes.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses accessible ingredients.
The slaw is a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
The recipe is family-friendly and can be made in large quantities.
The slaw is a nutritious and healthy option, packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The savory sesame dressing brings everything together, while the crunchy vegetables add a satisfying crunch. The ramen noodles provide a nice chewiness, making this slaw a pleasure to eat.

The key to a great dressing is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavors. In this recipe, I use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a savory and slightly sweet dressing.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is also important. By toasting the sesame seeds and cooking the ramen noodles, we bring out their natural flavors and textures. This step may seem simple, but it makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the slaw.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in allowing the flavors to meld together. By letting the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes, we allow the dressing to penetrate the ingredients, creating a harmonious and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw, you'll need a variety of ingredients, including fresh vegetables, ramen noodles, and savory sesame dressing ingredients. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients possible, as they will make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the slaw.

When shopping for ingredients, look for colorful vegetables and fresh herbs. You can also customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting some of the vegetables with others.

1 package (3 oz) ramen noodlesLook for a brand that is low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients. You can also use other types of noodles, such as rice noodles or soba noodles, if you prefer.
2 cups red cabbage, thinly slicedChoose a fresh head of cabbage with crisp leaves. You can also use green cabbage or a combination of both red and green cabbage for a colorful slaw.
1 cup carrots, peeled and gratedSelect carrots that are firm and free of blemishes. You can also use other types of carrots, such as purple or yellow carrots, for a different flavor and texture.
1 cup bell peppers, thinly slicedChoose bell peppers that are firm and have a glossy appearance. You can use any color bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors for a rainbow effect.
1/4 cup soy sauceSelect a high-quality soy sauce that is low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tbsp rice vinegarChoose a rice vinegar that is made with short-grain rice and has a mild flavor. You can also use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tbsp sesame oilSelect a high-quality sesame oil that is cold-pressed and has a nutty flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, if you prefer.
2 tbsp honeyChoose a high-quality honey that is pure and has a mild flavor. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp grated gingerSelect a fresh ginger root that is firm and has a spicy flavor. You can also use ground ginger as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped green onionsChoose green onions that are fresh and have a mild flavor. You can also use other types of onions, such as red onions or yellow onions, if you prefer.
1/4 cup toasted sesame seedsSelect sesame seeds that are fresh and have a nutty flavor. You can toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a high-quality salt and pepper that are fresh and have a mild flavor. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, depending on your personal preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatulaDry skillet or oven for toasting sesame seeds

How to Make Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw

1
Start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger. This will make the dressing for the slaw.
3
Add the sliced red cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced bell peppers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the dressing.
4
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the bowl with the vegetables and dressing. Toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the dressing and to combine them with the vegetables.
5
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the slaw. Toss the slaw gently to combine the sesame seeds and green onions with the other ingredients.
6
Season the slaw with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, depending on your personal preference.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
Before serving, give the slaw a good toss to combine the ingredients and to redistribute the dressing.
9
Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
10
You can customize the slaw to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced chicken or sliced avocado. Feel free to get creative and make the slaw your own!
11
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the slaw for up to 2 months, and then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and seasonal ingredients to make the best-tasting slaw.
Customize the slaw to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting some of the vegetables with others.
Don't overdress the slaw, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a high-quality soy sauce and sesame oil to give the slaw a rich and savory flavor.
Add the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or soba noodles, for a different texture and flavor.
Make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for a quick and easy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or wilted vegetables, can result in a slaw that is unappetizing and lacks flavor.
Overdressing the slaw can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Not letting the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes can result in a slaw that lacks flavor and texture.
Using the wrong type of noodles, such as spaghetti or linguine, can result in a slaw that is unappetizing and lacks texture.
Not toasting the sesame seeds can result in a slaw that lacks flavor and texture.
Not using a high-quality soy sauce and sesame oil can result in a slaw that lacks flavor and is unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced chicken or sliced avocado to the slaw for added protein and creaminess.
Use different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or yellow squash, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some heat to the slaw by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use a different type of noodle, such as rice noodles or soba noodles, for a different texture and flavor.
Add some crunch to the slaw by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or pumpkin seeds.
Make the slaw more substantial by adding cooked beans or tofu.
Use a different type of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw

This Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. You can serve it alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or salmon, or use it as a topping for a salad or a bowl.

Some other ideas for serving the slaw include using it as a topping for a burger or a sandwich, or serving it as a side dish for a picnic or a barbecue. You can also customize the slaw to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting some of the vegetables with others.

Grilled chicken or salmonBurgers or sandwichesSalads or bowlsPicnics or barbecuesAs a side dish for a mealAs a topping for a salad or a bowl

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Asian Sesame Ramen Slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the slaw for up to 2 months, and then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

To freeze the slaw, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to serve it, thaw the slaw in the refrigerator overnight and then give it a good toss to combine the ingredients and to redistribute the dressing.

It's also important to note that the slaw will become soggy if it's dressed too far in advance. To avoid this, you can dress the slaw just before serving, or you can dress it a few hours in advance and then give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.

In addition to storing the slaw in the refrigerator or freezer, you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use for the slaw?

You can use any type of noodle you like, but ramen noodles work best. You can also use rice noodles or soba noodles if you prefer.

How long can I store the slaw in the refrigerator?

You can store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze the slaw?

Yes, you can freeze the slaw for up to 2 months. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

How do I thaw the slaw?

To thaw the slaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and then give it a good toss to combine the ingredients and to redistribute the dressing.

Can I customize the slaw to my taste?

Yes, you can customize the slaw to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting some of the vegetables with others.

What type of dressing should I use for the slaw?

You can use any type of dressing you like, but a savory sesame dressing works best. You can also use a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing if you prefer.

How do I toast the sesame seeds?

To toast the sesame seeds, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in advance.

The Full Recipe

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