Imagine a dish that combines the crisp freshness of cabbage, the silky texture of perfectly cooked noodles, and a tantalizing sesame dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Sesame Cabbage Noodle Salad is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light and refreshing meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups cooked noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the cabbage into thin, uniform shreds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- If noodles are not already cooked, boil water in a medium pot, add noodles, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool noodles quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a smooth dressing. Ensure ingredients are well combined.
- Add shredded cabbage to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat each cabbage strand evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow cabbage to slightly soften and absorb flavors.
- Fold in the cooked noodles gently, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the cabbage mixture.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the salad, adding a fresh and nutty dimension to the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to distribute seasonings.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Cabbage Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to create uniform, thin shreds. This ensures even dressing distribution and a consistent texture.
- Noodle Pro Tip: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Dressing Magic: Whisk the sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-incorporated dressing that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Flavor Intensification: Let the cabbage sit in the dressing for 5 minutes before adding noodles. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb maximum flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra crunch, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or some chopped peanuts just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Protein Boost: Want to make it a complete meal? Add some grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
