Author Notes: This is our go-to recipe for a hot summer potluck, and makes a great dinner on those nights when you just don’t want to heat up the kitchen. It’s good as a stand-alone light meal with the tofu and cashews for protein, but also makes a nice side dish. Vegetarian other than the fish sauce – substitute a vegan alternative if desired. You could probably save time by substituting a pre-cut slaw mix for some of the ingredients, and it’s easy to make ahead — just add the herbs and ramen noodles right before serving. It’s adapted from a recipe in the Sunset cookbook. —teafanatic
Serves: 8-10 as a side, 4 as a main course
Ingredients
Slaw
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1/2
small red cabbage, shredded (~3 cups)
-
1/2
small green cabbage, shredded (~3 cups)
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2
large carrots, julienned (~3/4 cup)
-
1/2
small red onion, finely sliced
-
1/2
bunch red radishes, cut into 1/8″ matchsticks
-
1
red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
6
ounces baked tofu, sliced into 1/4″ matchsticks
-
1/2
bunch cilantro, chopped (~1/4 cup)
-
1/2
bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped (~1/4 cup)
-
1/4
cup roasted cashew pieces, chopped
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2
tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (mix of black and white)
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2
ounces package dry instant ramen noodles, coarsely crumbled
Dressing
-
3
tablespoons fresh lime juice
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2
tablespoons thai fish sauce
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2
teaspoons sugar
-
1
teaspoon tamari (or substitute soy sauce)
-
1/2
teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
- Use mandoline (2mm setting) to slice cabbage and red onion into a large bowl. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a chef’s knife to slice thinly.
- Add julienned carrots, matchsticked radishes, and sliced bell pepper to the bowl with cabbage & onion. Mix thoroughly.
- Add tofu (teriaki, asian, or other savory flavor works best) and sesame seeds and mix to distribute evenly.
- In a separate glass bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and mix well to combine and dissolve sugar completely.
- Pour dressing over slaw mixture. Refrigerate & let sit at least 30 minutes.
- Add cilantro, mint, chopped cashews, and crumbled ramen just before serving. Toss lightly to combine.