This Spicy Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Vegetables is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. It’s packed with crisp cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and a delicious homemade dressing with a kick.
Ingredients:
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Vegetables:
- 170g cabbage
- 50g carrots
- 1 medium onion (approximately 20g)
- 150g cucumber
- 1 red chili pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 yellow chili pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
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Dressing:
- 70g white sugar (consider a lower sugar option like stevia or monk fruit extract if desired)
- 40ml fish sauce
- 25g fresh chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10g fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Shred the cabbage. Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to help crisp it up. Drain well.
- Thinly slice the carrots and onion.
- After draining the cabbage, combine it with the carrots and onion in a large bowl.
- Thinly slice the cucumber, red chili pepper, and yellow chili pepper. Add them to the bowl with the other vegetables.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the white sugar, fish sauce, chopped chili pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and a well-combined dressing forms.
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Combine and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Stir in the chopped coriander leaves (if using).
- Serve immediately for a fresh and crisp salad, or chill for a bit in the refrigerator for a colder and more refreshing taste.
Nutritional Value:
- This salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and chili peppers.
- It’s also a good source of fiber from the cabbage, which can aid in digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
- The amount of sugar and sodium will depend on the amount of fish sauce and sugar used.
Healthy Substitutions:
- Sugar Alternatives: As mentioned before, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit extract to reduce the added sugar content.
- Low-Sodium Fish Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, there are low-sodium versions of fish sauce available.
- Protein Addition: For a more filling salad, you can add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.
Flavor Variations:
- Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar or white vinegar to the dressing for a sweet and sour flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: Drizzle a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: In addition to coriander, you can also add chopped fresh mint or Thai basil for a vibrant herbal touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this salad on its own as a light lunch or pair it with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries or noodle bowls.
- It also makes a great appetizer or side dish for potlucks and barbecues.
Tips:
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- Spice Level: This recipe calls for a good amount of chili pepper. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. You can even omit the chili peppers altogether for a milder version.
- Sugar Alternatives: The recipe uses white sugar. Consider using a natural sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit extract if you’re watching your sugar intake. Be aware that these alternatives may affect the taste slightly.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables to this salad, such as shredded bell peppers, green onions, or bean sprouts.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crispness over time.
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Vegetables is a delicious and healthy side dish or light lunch option. It’s full of vitamins, fiber, and a touch of spice. While it won’t specifically target belly fat, it can be part of a healthy diet that promotes overall weight loss. Enjoy this salad as part of a balanced meal plan!