Quick Kimchi Slaw

This quick kimchi slaw is a delicious and easy way to add some zest to your next picnic or BBQ. The crisp vegetables combine with the bold flavor of kimchee, then get tossed with a sweet and sour vinaigrette. Serve it as a side dish, or use it as a topping for burgers or beer simmered bratwurst.

This light and flavorful Korean slaw is easy to make and goes well with heavy meats like our Korean style ribs and braised pork shanks. 

You can even serve it alongside meatloaf or use it as a condiment for pulled pork sandwiches. The kimchi coleslaw also works as a main dish if you top it with shredded chicken. 

For more of our kimchee recipes, check out our Kimchi Pork Pancakes and our Kimchi Fried Rice. And if you love fermented foods, try our probiotic vegetables or our sourdough starter. 

Here is Why This Recipe Works

• Kimchi adds a zesty, spicy flavor and creates a new spin on coleslaw. 
  
• You can adjust the amount of kimchi to suit your taste preference. 
  
• The slaw makes a fantastic topping for burgers and sandwiches.
  
• It is lighter and healthier than traditional coleslaw made with mayonnaise (perfect for all the mayo haters). 
  
• The recipe uses the juices from store-bought or homemade kimchi to make a zesty kimchi vinaigrette. 

The Ingredients

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this Korean cabbage slaw. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details. 

• Cabbage. We used Napa cabbage and red cabbage for added color. 
  
• Bean sprouts. If you can’t find fresh bean sprouts, you can omit them or use canned bean sprouts.
   
• Carrots and Daikon radish. We sliced these veggies into thin matchsticks or julienne strips. 
  
• Kimchi. You can use store-bought or homemade kimchee. 
  
• Green onions. Slice them thinly so they scatter throughout the Asian slaw. 
  
• Kimchi vinaigrette. We made the vinaigrette with the juices that we strained off the kimchi. Honey, vinegar, Korean chili powder, and sesame oil tie the flavors together. 

How to Make Kimchi Coleslaw

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of what to expect with this spicy Asian slaw. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

1. Place the shredded red and green cabbage in a large salad bowl. Add the bean sprouts and the carrot and radish matchsticks.
2. Chop the kimchee and add to the salad bowl.
3. Slice the green onions and sprinkle over the mixture.
4. Make the kimchi vinaigrette and toss to combine it with the slaw.

Tips for Success

• Slicing the vegetables is a breeze if you use a mandoline. You can also use an inexpensive julienning peeler (affiliate link).
  
• Keep the vinaigrette and kimchi slaw in separate containers if you don’t plan to serve the salad right away. Toss them together an hour before serving. If you want softer veggies, toss them together several hours in advance. 
  
• You can make the vinaigrette a week in advance. 
  
• We did not add salt to the kimchi vinaigrette because most kimchi brands already have plenty of salt. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. 
  
• Make it a main meal by adding cooked shrimp, chopped leftover chicken, or pulled pork. 

This quick kimchi slaw is light, flavorful, and easy to make. It is a delicious twist on a classic recipe and makes a great side dish for almost anything. 

Helpful Tools

Some of the following are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you click on these links and purchase something. You don’t pay any extra, but it will help us keep the lights on. 

• Korean chile flake
• Mandoline slicer
• Julienne peeler
• Chef’s knife or Santoku knife

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:

Our Asian teriyaki meatballs have a blend of beef and pork. They make fantastic appetizers for your next party. 

These Thai pork skewers get served alongside a savory peanut sauce. Add them to a bed of basil lime rice for a quick dinner. 

Homemade beef pho is a delicious and hearty meal. The rich beef broth is packed with flavor, and the tender beef slices make it extra filling.

Our recipe for lemongrass chicken satay has a fusion of Thai flavors. Serve it with peanut sauce or nuac mam sauce.