This crunchy, salty, and spicy coleslaw in a serrano vinaigrette is an excellent companion to Sonoran style dishes inspired by my very favorite Thai dish, Som Tum (green papaya salad). Serve in tacos or layered in a sandwich like the Pork Torta from my Taste of Tucson cookbook.
A crunchy, salty, and spicy coleslaw inspired by Som Tum (green papaya salad). The Thai fish sauce gives this slaw a burst of umami flavor, but you could always just use a bit more salt if you want to keep it vegan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage or 1 (16-ounce) bag (about 2 cups) shredded cabbage or coleslaw blend
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 Mexican limes, juiced about 3 tablespoons
- 1 serrano chile minced
- 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (optional for vegetarians and vegans)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put the cabbage, cilantro, and green onions, in a large bowl and toss together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chile, and fish sauce, if using, to make a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well. Season with salt and pepper and toss again.
- Let stand for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Video
Notes
This recipe is from Taste of Tucson: Sonoran Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona, 2020 West Margin Press.
The photography for this recipe was selected as an American Photography 38 award winner in the Food Photography category.
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