Healthy Shrimp Coleslaw Recipe: Perfect for a Summer Day
As a lover of good food and even better company, I always find myself in search of recipes that can bring people together. Today, I want to share with you my shrimp coleslaw recipe – a dish that has quickly become a staple in my household and one that has been requested time and time again at every social gathering.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile enough to be paired with almost any meal, making it an excellent side dish for family dinners or weekend barbecues with friends.
But what makes this coleslaw so special? It’s the unique combination of tangy apple cider vinegar, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty lemon juice that brings all of the flavors together. The addition of fresh cilantro, green onion, and bell pepper gives it an extra kick that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it to top your favorite tacos, this shrimp coleslaw is sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As someone who loves entertaining friends and family, I know how important it is to have some go-to recipes in my arsenal that impress guests every time. That’s why I’d like to introduce you to my shrimp coleslaw recipe – a dish that you and your guests are sure to love.
It’s called the perfect summer dish for a reason – a fresh cabbage slaw with tender juicy shrimp is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The sweet bell peppers, refreshing green onions, and tangy cilantro lime juice add a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. And with just the right amount of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, this coleslaw strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and creamy.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course perfect for shrimp tacos lovers out there. Plus, if you’re looking for healthier alternatives, you can easily substitute sour cream for mayonnaise or swap Napa cabbage for traditional green or red cabbage. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something special to serve at your next gathering, this recipe will deliver every time.
So what are you waiting for? Impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing shrimp coleslaw recipe that truly satisfies everybody’s cravings!
Ingredient List
Get your ingredients ready
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this incredibly delicious shrimp coleslaw recipe:
- 1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 small head of red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 small Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 bell pepper, finely sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp. lime juice
- 2 tbsp. sour cream
- 2 tsp. garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Always choose fresh produce for a better flavor and texture when making coleslaw.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve listed all the ingredients you need, it’s time to start cooking! Here is how to make this delicious Shrimp Cole Slaw Recipe.
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
In a large pot of boiling water, cook 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they are pink and firm. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Slaw Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the following slaw ingredients:
- 2 cups of finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup of finely shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup of shredded carrots
- ¼ cup of chopped green onions (scallions)
- ¼ cup of chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro
Mix the ingredients well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
Pour this dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss to coat.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp to the coleslaw and gently fold in the mixture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully, giving the dish its signature taste.
Finally, serve chilled. This dish pairs outstandingly well with seafood-based dishes like fish tacos or spicy shrimp tacos. You can also enjoy it on its own as a flavorful meal prep option or as a side dish in your favorite southern food meal!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up? Don’t be afraid to experiment and substitute ingredients to make this shrimp coleslaw recipe your own. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:
– Instead of mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist.
– Swap out the green cabbage for Napa cabbage or red cabbage for added color and flavor.
– Add some heat by mixing in diced jalapeno or serrano peppers.
– For a crispy crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds, almond slivers, or walnut pieces.
– Give this recipe a Southern twist by adding some mustard, hot sauce, pickles or mustard seed,
– Make it spicy by pan-frying the peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic and chili powder.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing this delicious shrimp coleslaw. No matter how you prepare it, this recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next gathering. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have successfully cooked this mouth-watering shrimp coleslaw, it’s time to think about how you will present and serve it. A well-arranged dish is not only visually appealing, but it also makes the meal more enjoyable.
The creamy texture of this slaw recipe makes it a perfect side dish for your favorite fried or pan-seared shrimp tacos. The sweet and tangy flavors in this dish pair perfectly with the zesty lime slaw, making it an ideal complementary filling for fish tacos too.
If you want a more refreshing and crunchy texture, this slaw recipe also goes well with crispy fried shrimp. The combination of the tender crispy shrimp and creamy coleslaw can take your meal to another level of satisfaction. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prep as you can pack the servings separately for later meals.
For plating, consider using a large bowl or individual bowls, and place a few cilantro leaves on top of each serving for garnish. Additionally, you can sprinkle some paprika on top of this dish to add a pop of color.
In conclusion, this simple cabbage slaw recipe goes great with any seafood dish you prefer; whether spicy or mild, fried or grilled. The flavors in this recipe are versatile enough to match any taste buds and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this shrimp coleslaw recipe is that it can be made ahead and stored until needed. You can prepare the cabbage slaw mixture up to a day before your event, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. This will give the flavors time to meld together and make it even more delicious.
When you’re ready to serve, simply add the cooked shrimp to the slaw mixture, toss well, and serve immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The shrimp may lose some of its crispiness after being refrigerated, but it will still be tasty.
To reheat the shrimp coleslaw leftovers, simply heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also skip reheating altogether and enjoy it cold. It’s great as a refreshing side dish for your meal prep or a light lunch option.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for those who want to get ahead on their party preparations or enjoy a tasty make-ahead meal. With minimal effort involved in reheating and storing, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal with just a few simple steps.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, if you want your shrimp coleslaw to turn out perfectly, there are a few tips you need to follow. These tips will ensure that your slaw turns out delicious and delicate every time.
Firstly, ensure that you have fresh, high-quality ingredients; this is particularly important for the shrimp. Be sure to buy peeled and deveined shrimp from a reputable supplier or seafood market.
Next, consider using a mixture of green cabbage and red cabbage with shredded carrots or Napa cabbage for maximum flavor and nutrition. The different types of cabbage give the coleslaw its signature look and add some complexity to its taste.
When preparing the coleslaw, don’t add too much mayonnaise at first. You can always add more later, but taking it away can be challenging. Start by adding two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of white wine vinegar, ¼ cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
To avoid making the coleslaw too runny or watery when mixing up the ingredients, take a few tomatoes and remove the pulp from them. Then cut them up into cubes and add them to the mix.
For added depth of flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes. These elements will give your dish spicy notes that will complement a meal like spicy shrimp tacos or fish tacos.
Lastly, don’t overmix the ingredients when assembling your coleslaw ingredients together. The ingredients should be well mixed but not overly blended so that they lose their distinct flavors and textures.
By following these tips for perfect results, your shrimp coleslaw will indeed be the star of any home chef’s party table!
FAQ
As we wrap up this recipe article, let me address some frequently asked questions about this shrimp cole slaw that will definitely elevate your dinner game. From substitutions to storage, I’ll clear the air on these concerns so that you can cook confidently and impress your guests with your newfound culinary skills. So, let’s dive into it!
How do you make Bobby Flay coleslaw?
Let’s start by creating a delicious coleslaw. Get a large bowl and mix the shredded cabbage and carrots together. In a separate bowl, whisk together some mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it over the cabbage and carrots. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly coated. Don’t forget to taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper or sugar if needed. The key is to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Can you use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in coleslaw?
Looking for a replacement for apple cider vinegar? Distilled white vinegar is an excellent option. This information was shared on May 17, 2020.
How do you make Martha Stewart coleslaw?
For this dish, you’ll need some freshly shredded cabbage (around 6 cups should do the trick), a combination of red and green varieties if you want to add some color. You’ll also need about 2 cups of thinly-sliced carrots, which should equal around 4 medium-sized carrots. The creamy dressing for this recipe consists of 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of white-wine vinegar. Make sure to add a pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
How is slaw different from coleslaw?
When it comes to a dish commonly referred to as slaw, there are different variations one can make. The term coleslaw generally refers to the type prepared with cabbage, while slaw can describe several types, including those without cabbage, for instance, carrot slaw.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this shrimp coleslaw recipe is the perfect addition to any summer gathering or BBQ. With its refreshing flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a crowd pleaser. The ease of preparation, make-ahead options and versatility in serving and pairing makes this dish hassle-free for any host.
By incorporating key ingredients such as shrimp, cilantro lime slaw and the perfect blend of mayonnaise and vinegar, this recipe brings bold Southern flavors to life in a unique way. And with its simple substitutions and variations, this dish can be tailored to anyone’s taste preference.
So why not impress your guests with a delicious meal that is inexpensive, easy to prepare and sure to be a hit? Following these instructions, tips and recommendations will guarantee a successful outcome every time! So get ready to enjoy mouthwatering shrimp cole slaw that will leave your guests raving long after the party is over.
Shrimp Cole Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb) bag Coleslaw (cabbage and carrots)
- 1 -2 lb cooked shrimp (small to medium)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (green, red or both)
- 1 bunch chopped green onion (all of white and half of green tops)
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I use Kraft Fat Free)
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Tony Chachere's Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
Instructions
- Clean cooked shrimp and break in half if large. Chop bell peppers and green onions. In large bowl combine slaw, shrimp, peppers and onions.
- In separate bowl make dressing, stirring until well blended. Pour over salad and toss until all of salad is coated. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!