Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a classic American coleslaw that's not your ordinary cabbage salad! This Coleslaw with Boiled Dressing is a hidden culinary gem that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, tangy masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Unlike typical store-bought coleslaws, this homemade version offers a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and zesty flavor that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely shred the green cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, ensuring thin and uniform pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Continue cooking the dressing, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, creating a light syrupy consistency.
- Remove the dressing from heat and let it cool to room temperature, which helps prevent wilting of the cabbage.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded cabbage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the boiled dressing has cooled, whisk in the mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to slightly soften.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or accompaniment to various main courses.
Tips
- Cabbage Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure uniform, thin shreds. This helps the dressing coat each piece evenly and creates a more appealing texture.
- Dressing Temperature Matters: Allow the boiled dressing to cool completely before mixing with cabbage to prevent wilting and maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- Marination Magic: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing. The flavors can change as the coleslaw sits, so a final taste test ensures perfect seasoning.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This coleslaw actually tastes better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners.Pro Tip: For added crunch, consider adding some grated carrots or thinly sliced red onions to the basic recipe for extra texture and flavor complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
