Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw (Korean-Inspired)

What’s that? You’re craving kimchi but don’t want to run to the store or wait a week for it to ferment? We’ve got you. This QUICK kimchi-inspired slaw combines cabbage, apple, and carrot in a tangy, optionally spicy dressing.

It’s the perfect companion for all your favorite Korean (and Korean-inspired) dishes, including bibimbap and Korean-style cauliflower wings. Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes with just 10 ingredients. Let us show you how it’s done!

The base of this cabbage apple slaw is (you guessed it)…cabbage! Given that it’s used in classic kimchi, we initially tested this slaw with Napa cabbage but ultimately preferred the more sturdy texture of green or purple cabbage here.

After thinly slicing the cabbage, we massage it well with salt for a subtle, crunchy texture and better digestibility! Apples, carrots, and green onions add color and ensure the perfect sweet + savory balance!

Next comes the ginger sesame dressing! Fresh garlic and ginger add spice and flavor while rice vinegar, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil create the perfect dressing texture. Gochujang is optional but gives the slaw that classic kimchi taste!

Put it all together, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a fresh, crunchy, bright, and versatile slaw. Bonus? It keeps well for a couple days (if you have any leftovers…)!

We hope you LOVE this slaw! It’s:

Fresh
Crunchy
Bright
Spicy (optionally)
Quick & easy
& SO delicious!

It’s a versatile side that goes well with almost anything spicy + savory, especially other Korean-inspired recipes, including our Easy Bibimbap with Gochujang Sauce and Spicy Korean-Style Cauliflower Wings. And stay tuned for another delicious pairing coming soon (sneak peek below 👀)!

More Simple Cabbage Recipes

• Easy Vegan Coleslaw
• Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
• Vegan Ginger Sesame Noodles with Crispy Tofu
• Shawarma Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Green Chutney

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw (Korean-Inspired)

A QUICK kimchi-inspired slaw with cabbage, apple, carrot, and a tangy, optionally spicy dressing. Perfect for when you’re craving a side of kimchi for your favorite Korean dishes but don’t want to run to the store or wait for it to ferment. Ready in 20 minutes with just 10 ingredients!

Author Minimalist Baker

Print SAVE SAVED

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (~1 cup servings)

Course Side

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Korean-Inspired, Vegan

Freezer Friendly No

Does it keep? 1-2 Days

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

SLAW

• 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage (purple or green*)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup grated carrot (1 large carrot yields ~1 cup or 110 g grated)
• 1 cup grated apple or Asian pear (1/2 large apple or pear yields ~1 cup or 80 g grated)
• 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced (1 stalk yields ~1/4 cup or 25 g)

DRESSING

• 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or grated
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 ½ Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (if oil-free, omit)
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 2-4 tsp gochujang or gochugaru (optional // for a kimchi-like spicy kick // ensure gluten-free as needed)

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and salt. Massage with clean hands for 2-3 minutes, until the cabbage has reduced a bit and just begins to release some moisture (it’s okay if it doesn’t, too). Add the grated carrot, grated apple or pear, and green onions. Toss until evenly combined.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the pressed or grated garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and gochujang or gochugaru (optional). Whisk to combine, then add to the slaw and toss to combine. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more rice vinegar for brightness, maple syrup for sweetness, gochujang (or gochugaru) for heat, or salt for overall balance.
• Serve immediately with your favorite Korean mains, or alongside anything spicy/savory that could use a fresh and crunchy side dish. Keeps in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Not freezer friendly.

Video

Notes

*You can use the more traditional napa cabbage here, but we recommend adding 1-2 more cups as it tends to reduce much more than green or red cabbage when massaged.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.

Nutrition (1 of 4 servings)

Serving: 1 cup Calories: 54 Carbohydrates: 10.4 g Protein: 1.2 g Fat: 1.3 g Saturated Fat: 0.2 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 323 mg Potassium: 229 mg Fiber: 2.7 g Sugar: 6 g Vitamin A: 816 IU Vitamin C: 25 mg Calcium: 41 mg Iron: 0.4 mg