Make Better-Than-Deli Coleslaw By Adding A Single Ingredient

Making a batch of coleslaw always feels something like alchemy. Thinly sliced cabbage goes into a bowl with a dressing made from salt, sugar, mayonnaise, and vinegar, and what comes out is a creamy, tangy salad that is then piled high on a barbecue sandwich but also works beautifully as a side dish to just about anything. The basic recipe is already a pretty spectacular thing, but there is one simple addition that can really take your coleslaw to the next level: chili crisp.

Whether it is strict adherence to a spicy chili crisp coleslaw recipe, or just adding a couple of spoonfuls to carton from the store, the unique combination of flavors in this Asian condiment imparts coleslaw layers of additional depth. Chili crisp, for those who haven't tried it, is a chili-oil-like condiment that is also loaded with other aromatic and textural ingredients like garlic and onions, sesame seeds, peanuts, soybeans, and spices. On top of that, salt, sugar, and MSG often round things out and give the sauce a delightful balance.

With an ingredient list like that, it is not hard to see how chili crisp would be a simple addition to boost the flavor of your coleslaw. It adds an aromatic depth and a hint of spice to the dish, while also playing right along with the slaw's traditional balance of sweet and savory. Whether you make your own or opt for a favorite chili crisp brand from the store, it's a zero-effort improvement that you'll keep coming back to.

As far as how to actually make yourself a batch of chili crisp coleslaw, at its simplest, all you need to do is add a tablespoon or two to your preferred coleslaw recipe. You can add it once the slaw is already made, so it can be considered an "add to taste" ingredient, where you just let your palate guide you. Alternatively, you can also add some other Asian-inspired coleslaw ingredients, like soy sauce, rice vinegar, napa cabbage, ginger, or scallions, among many others. It's a use for chili crisp begging for culinary creativity.

Once you've figured out how you like to make this special slaw, it's time to serve it. Just like standard coleslaw, it makes a great side dish at a barbecue, but the unique flavor profile also suits it to a variety of other dishes. A plate of karaage fried chicken would be fine with traditional slaw, but chili crisp slaw suits it much better. Likewise, sesame-crusted fish tacos would be a beautiful pairing for a creamy, chili-enhanced coleslaw.

Whipping up a big bowl of coleslaw for a cookout already feels something like culinary magic, but when you bring in this sweet, salty, savory, spicy sauce, it takes on whole new levels of side-dish sorcery. Next time you set out to alchemize a cabbage, try adding a few spoonfuls of the good stuff, or dive all the way in with this spicy chili crisp coleslaw recipe. After you taste it, you might never look at slaw the same.