Filipino Chinese-Inspired Cabbage Salad

Ingredients

While the original Romanian Salată de varză is typically made with cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise, this Filipino Chinese-inspired version takes a different approach. It incorporates the flavors of Filipino and Chinese cuisine by using a dressing made with vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Additionally, it includes bell peppers and onions for added crunch and color. The result is a salad that is lighter and more vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Salată de varză, so you can check it out.

• 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and sliced onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to thinly slice the cabbage for a better texture and easier mixing.
• Carrot — Julienne the carrot for a visually appealing presentation.
• Bell pepper — Thinly slice the bell pepper to match the texture of the cabbage.
• Onion — Slice the onion thinly to add a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Toasted sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for a nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed peanuts or crispy fried noodles on top of the salad.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing according to your preference by adding more or less sugar and vinegar.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add a small amount of chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to the dressing.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add some cooked and cooled rice noodles or shredded chicken.
• This salad is best served fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Chinese-inspired cabbage salad as a side dish with grilled meats, stir-fried dishes, or as a refreshing appetizer before a main course. It pairs well with Asian-inspired meals and adds a vibrant touch to any table.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The colorful combination of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and onions will make the dish visually appealing and inviting.