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Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps


  • Author: Bianca

Ingredients

Scale

This recipe for Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps relies on fresh, vibrant components to deliver its signature crunch and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a harmonious and delicious final product.

  • For the Sesame Cabbage Slaw:
    • 1/2 medium head green cabbage (about 4 cups shredded): Provides the primary crunch and bulk of the slaw. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor is a perfect canvas for the dressing.
    • 1/4 medium head red cabbage (about 2 cups shredded): Adds a stunning visual contrast with its deep purple hue and a slightly more peppery flavor than green cabbage.
    • 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1.5 cups): Offer sweetness, vibrant orange color, and another layer of satisfying crunch.
    • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Contributes a mild, sweet, and slightly fruity flavor, along with a beautiful pop of red and a tender-crisp texture.
    • 4 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated): The white parts provide a mild oniony sharpness, while the green tops add fresh, delicate flavor and a splash of color as a garnish.
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Lends a distinctive, bright, and citrusy herbaceous note that complements the Asian-inspired dressing wonderfully. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be used, or it can be omitted.
  • For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
    • 1/3 cup rice vinegar: Provides a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that brightens the slaw. Unseasoned rice vinegar is preferred to control the sugar content.
    • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): The cornerstone of umami flavor, adding depth and saltiness. Low-sodium allows for better salt control.
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: This is a key flavor! Toasted sesame oil has a deep, nutty, and aromatic profile that is essential for the dressing’s character.
    • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
    • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Imparts a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy kick that enlivens the dressing. Fresh ginger is highly recommended over dried for its vibrant flavor.
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory aroma and depth. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if desired, plus more for garnish): Provide a subtle nutty flavor and texture. Toasting them enhances their nuttiness.
    • Optional: 1 teaspoon Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat, this adds a welcome spicy element. Adjust to your preference.
  • For Assembling the Wraps:
    • 812 large lettuce leaves (e.g., Butter lettuce, Romaine hearts, or Iceberg cups): These act as fresh, crisp, low-carb vessels for the slaw. Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, Romaine offers a good crunch, and Iceberg provides sturdy cups.
    • OR 46 large whole wheat tortillas or other wraps of choice (e.g., spinach, low-carb): For a more substantial, traditional wrap experience.
  • Optional Additions & Protein Boosters:
    • 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well): A convenient and lean protein option.
    • 1 block (14-16 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed/crumbled (pan-fried or baked): An excellent plant-based protein that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
    • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained: A quick and easy vegetarian protein and fiber boost.
    • 1 cup cooked and shelled edamame: Adds plant-based protein, a pleasant chewiness, and a pop of green.
    • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews: For added crunch and nutty flavor.
    • Sliced avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and refreshing Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps. The process is straightforward, involving preparing the  vegetables, whisking together the dressing, and then combining everything for a vibrant filling.

  1. Prepare the Cabbage:
    • Wash the green and red cabbage heads thoroughly. Remove any tough outer leaves.
    • Cut each cabbage portion in half through the core. Place the cut-side down on your cutting board and thinly slice the cabbage. You can also use a mandoline (with extreme care and a hand guard) for very fine, uniform shreds, or the shredding disc of a food processor.
    • Place the shredded green and red cabbage into a large mixing bowl. The bowl should be big enough to comfortably toss all the slaw ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Other Vegetables:
    • Peel the carrots. Julienne them by cutting them into thin matchsticks. Alternatively, use a julienne peeler or the grating disc of a food processor. Add the julienned carrots to the bowl with the cabbage.
    • Wash the red bell pepper. Remove the stem, seeds, and white membranes. Slice it thinly and add it to the bowl.
    • Wash the green onions. Thinly slice the white and light green parts and add them to the bowl. Reserve the dark green tops for garnishing later.
    • Wash and chop the fresh cilantro. Add it to the vegetable mixture in the bowl.
  3. Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
    • In a separate small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
    • If using, add the Sriracha or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
    • Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well combined and the honey/maple syrup is fully dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a little more sweetness, tang, or spice.
  4. Dress the Slaw:
    • Pour about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
    • Toss everything together thoroughly using tongs or clean hands, ensuring all the  vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
    • Let the slaw sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly while still retaining its crunch. If you prefer a softer slaw, you can let it marinate for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
  5. Prepare Your Wraps:
    • If using lettuce leaves: Gently wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Select large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling. Butter lettuce, Romaine, and Iceberg are all good choices.
    • If using tortillas: Warm the tortillas slightly if desired. This makes them more pliable and enjoyable. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or briefly in the microwave.
  6. Assemble the Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps:
    • Lay a lettuce leaf or tortilla flat on your work surface.
    • If using optional protein (shredded chicken, tofu, chickpeas, edamame), place a portion of it down the center of the wrap first.
    • Spoon a generous amount of the sesame cabbage slaw on top of the protein (if using) or directly onto the lettuce leaf/tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, especially with lettuce wraps, to make them easier to eat.
    • Sprinkle with any desired optional additions like chopped nuts, sliced avocado, or the reserved sliced green onion tops and extra sesame seeds for garnish.
  7. Serve Immediately:
    • If using lettuce wraps, they are best served immediately as the lettuce will wilt over time.
    • If using tortillas, you can fold in the sides and then roll them up burrito-style.
    • Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful Sesame Cabbage Slaw Wraps!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 200