Recipe
Chicago-style Spicy Slaw
Chicago Fire Slaw: A Spicy Twist on a Classic
4.4 out of 5
This recipe puts a Chicago spin on the traditional Thai dish, Som tam. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a fiery kick, this Chicago-style spicy slaw is a perfect blend of Thai inspiration and the boldness of the Windy City.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
N/A
Total time
45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low calorie, Low fat
Allergens
Peanuts, Fish (in fish sauce)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, High protein
Ingredients
While the original Som tam is a papaya-based salad with a sweet and tangy dressing, this Chicago-style adaptation replaces the papaya with a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. The dressing is also modified to include Thai chili peppers for an extra kick, along with the traditional garlic, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Som tam, so you can check it out.
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4 cups (400g) shredded cabbage 4 cups (400g) shredded cabbage
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1 cup (120g) shredded carrots 1 cup (120g) shredded carrots
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1 cup (150g) thinly sliced bell peppers (assorted colors) 1 cup (150g) thinly sliced bell peppers (assorted colors)
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1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
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2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce
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2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
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2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
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2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped 2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
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Crushed peanuts, for garnish Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced bell peppers.
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2.In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, honey, Thai chili peppers, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.
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3.Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until well coated.
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4.Season with salt to taste.
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5.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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6.Before serving, garnish with crushed peanuts for an added crunch.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Shredded cabbage — Make sure to use fresh and crisp cabbage for the best texture in the slaw.
- Thai chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. Be cautious while handling them and avoid touching your face or eyes.
Tips & Tricks
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the Thai chili peppers before chopping.
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves or basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve the slaw as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for burgers or tacos.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by adding more honey or lime juice, according to your taste preference.
- Make a larger batch of the dressing and keep it refrigerated for up to a week to use as a versatile sauce for other dishes.
Serving advice
Serve the Chicago-style Spicy Slaw chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a topping for sandwiches, tacos, or grilled meats. It pairs well with dishes that benefit from a spicy and tangy kick.
Presentation advice
Garnish the slaw with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add visual appeal. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a platter to showcase the colorful assortment of vegetables.
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