Easy Asian Cabbage Salad Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
If you’re someone who loves a crunchy, flavorful salad with a bit of an Asian twist, then you’ll want to take note of this sumi salad recipe. This is the perfect dish to serve at a summer barbecue or potluck, and it’s sure to be a big hit with all your guests.
What makes this salad unique is the combination of fresh green cabbage, oriental ramen noodles, and slivered almonds topped with a tangy sesame dressing. The result is a refreshing and delicious salad that’s hard to beat.
But don’t let the ingredient list fool you — this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a crunchy and satisfying salad that your guests will love.
So whether you’re looking for a new twist on traditional coleslaw or simply want to impress your friends at your next gathering, give this sumi salad recipe a try. It’s sure to become one of your go-to salads for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear Foodies,
If you’re looking for a salad that’s both refreshing and filling, then look no further than our Sumi Salad. This Asian cabbage salad recipe is one of my personal favorites, and I’m confident that once you try it out, you’ll love it too! Here are some reasons why this Sumi Salad is worth trying:
Firstly, the combination of fresh green cabbage and sliced green onions gives you a perfect taste of summer in every bite. The crunchiness of the raw cabbage adds texture to the dish, while the finely sliced green onions provide a milder onion flavor to balance out the sweetness.
Secondly, the dressing. A mix of rice vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and Accent seasoning clings beautifully to both cabbage and ramen noodles to create an umami taste you won’t forget. Toasted sesame seeds and almonds add nuttiness to the dish with just enough balance, plus a healthier option for crunch.
Thirdly, it’s simple to prepare. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is straightforward and can be easily adapted to your own tastes in a few simple steps. You can even make this salad ahead of time, add your favorite protein or serve it as a side dish at any party.
Lastly, this Sumi Salad recipe is versatile. The dish pairs wonderfully with baked wonton chips or anytime you need bottomless bites at home. It suits any occasion such as bringing a salad potluck style and comes in handy during big celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
In conclusion, the Sumi Salad is an amazing salad recipe that will have your guests licking their bowls clean. Trust me: try this Asian-inspired cabbage salad for your next gathering and be prepared for superb compliments from all around the table.
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make Sumi Salad.
Vegetables
- 1 head green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 small head red cabbage, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
Dressing
- 2 packages of Oriental Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Accent seasoning (optional)
- Salt and Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup white sugar
Variations
If you want to add more crunch and flavour you can add some additional vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You can also consider adding some protein like chicken, shrimp or tofu.
Gather all your ingredients and let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
After gathering all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list, it’s time to prepare this Sumi Salad that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Step 1: Toast Almonds and Sesame Seeds
In a skillet over medium heat, toast ⅓ cup of sliced almonds and ¼ cup of sesame seeds until they turn golden brown. Keep stirring while toasting them to prevent burning. Set them aside once they are done.
Step 2: Preparing the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the accent seasoning included in the ramen noodles seasoning packet until well combined.
Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables
Firstly, remove any damaged leaves from a head of green cabbage and then chop it very finely. The finer you chop it; more crunchier your salad will be. Secondly, slice 8 green onions finely and mix them with chopped cabbage into a large bowl. Add in 2 cups of coleslaw mix, 2 packs of crushed ramen noodles, and finally pour in the dressing we’ve made in step 2.
Step 4: Mix Well
Take two spoons and start mixing everything well. Make sure you get all veggies evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For best results, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. But if you want something crunchy and cold that has no chill, then go ahead and serve immediately topped with toasted almonds and sesame seeds.
Enjoy this delicious Asian Cabbage Salad as a side dish or as an entrée with some protein on top like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients listed in the Sumi Salad recipe? No worries, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can still make this dish delicious.
If you’re looking for a different type of cabbage, try switching out green cabbage with Napa cabbage or red cabbage. Napa cabbage has a more tender texture while red cabbage adds a pop of color to the dish.
For those who don’t like ramen noodles, substitute them with another type of noodle, such as soba or udon noodles. You could also skip the noodles altogether and have a more traditional coleslaw-style salad instead.
Adding cooked shredded chicken to this dish creates a protein-packed meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Want to try something different? Swap the chicken out for shrimp or tofu.
If you prefer sesame dressing over rice vinegar, simply whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to your salad.
Lastly, for an extra crunch factor try tossing in some toasted slivered almonds or crumbled up wontons. These add-ons will take your Sumi Salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to substituting and varying the Sumi Salad recipe. As long as you keep the base ingredients intact, feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this sumi salad, the next question is, how should you serve it and with what other dishes? This Asian-inspired cabbage salad is quite versatile and can be a fantastic side or main dish. It’s light and refreshing, perfect for warm summer days, but its robust flavors also make it ideal for any meal throughout the year.
If serving as a side dish, consider pairing it with grilled or barbecued meats like chicken, beef or pork. The flavors of the salad pair well with most barbecue marinades and sauces. You may also opt to serve it alongside baked salmon or other dishes that call for something light and fresh on the side.
To enjoy this sumi salad as a main dish, consider adding more protein sources, such as pan-seared tofu, thinly sliced grilled steak or baked chicken breast. You can also add crispy fried noodles like Ramen for some extra crunch. Alternatively, serve it alongside some freshly baked wonton crisps and enjoy ‘bottomless bites’ of crunchy Asian goodness.
This vibrant and healthy salad is an excellent addition to a potluck party or any event where you need to feed a crowd. Consider pairing it with other crispy salads like coleslaw or an oriental ramen noodle salad for a gorgeous buffet spread. And if you’re looking for something fancier, go ahead and add some cooked shrimp or lobster tails to turn it into a gourmet dish.
The possibilities with this sumi salad are endless. Get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to suit your taste preferences. As always, don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Sumi Salad is a dish that you can easily make ahead and store for later. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or to have on hand for those moments when you want to indulge in a healthy snack. It is easy to store the Sumi Salad in an airtight container, but do not add the dressing until right before serving, as this will keep the cabbage salad fresh and crunchy.
If you want to make the Sumi Salad ahead of time, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing. Combine them right before serving to avoid a soggy mess. If you store everything together, it will become wet, and this can affect the salad’s texture and crunchiness.
You can serve Sumi Salad cold, but if you prefer it warm, try reheating it in the oven instead of a microwave. Microwaving cabbage leaves can make them rubbery and ruin your salad. To reheat Sumi Salad in the oven, place it in an oven-safe dish and stick it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
The Sumi Salad is best consumed within 24 hours after storage. It may still be good after two days in the refrigerator, but it will have lost some of its crunchiness and freshness by then.
In summary, always make sure you store your Sumi Salad in an airtight container with separate dressing until serving time. Reheat your salad gently if needed to avoid producing a rubbery texture that ruins the eating experience. Plan ahead and eat your Sumi Salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Sumi Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks:
1. Toast Your Sesame Seeds and Almonds: I highly recommend toasting the sesame seeds and sliced almonds before adding them to your salad. Just heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the seeds and almonds, and stir until lightly toasted. This will give an extra boost of flavor to your salad.
2. Whisk Your Salad Dressing: To make sure that your dressing emulsifies properly, whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl before pouring it over your salad.
3. Refrigerate Before Serving: For the best results, let the dressed salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on personal preference or what you have on hand. Try adding shredded carrots or red cabbage for more color or napa cabbage for a different taste and texture.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients: While this recipe allows for some substitutions, using fresh ingredients like crisp green cabbage and green onions is key to achieving a flavorful Sumi Salad.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to serve up a delicious and crunchy Asian cabbage salad every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Sumi Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some delicious Asian flavors to their menu. This salad is an excellent pairing with almost any cuisine and is perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a light lunch or dinner.
With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, easy preparation, and versatility, this salad recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your meal stand out. Additionally, with the option to customize the recipe to your liking or dietary preferences through substitutions and variations, you can create a dish that is uniquely your own.
So what are you waiting for? Grab that head of green cabbage and get started on making this perfect Sumi Salad recipe today. Trust me; you won’t regret it! Don’t hesitate to serve it with some baked wonton or chicken salad to experience the ultimate flavor combination. The Sumi Salad recipe will undoubtedly brighten up any occasion with its colorful presentation and delicious flavor.
Sumi Salad (Asian Cabbage Salad) Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 8 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 head green cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 (3 ounce) packages chicken-flavored ramen noodles (break up noodles in package)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup oil (I prefer Canola oil)
- 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Accent seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Dressing:
- Mix sugar, rice vinegar and salt together in small saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar and salt dissolve. Let mixture cool and then combine with remaining dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Salad:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet. Toast almonds and sesame seeds until lightly browned. Combine with onions, cabbage, and dressing. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, crush ramen noodles in their package and combine with salad.
- Note: This salad is best if you make it the night before you plan on serving it. The sweet and salty flavors develop overnight and although the cabbage softens a bit, it still retains it's crunchy texture. A good summer salad for picnics since it travels well and doesn't contain mayonaise.
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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!