Name: Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces (about 2 ½ cups) snap peas, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal; ½ red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups); 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons minced cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley, if preferred); 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil; ¾ teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a colorful, crunchy salad that bursts with bold flavors, this Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. It blends crisp snap peas and vibrant red cabbage with a tangy and sweet hoisin dressing, creating a refreshing slaw that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate. This recipe comes together swiftly, making it perfect for those busy days or when you want a quick side that feels special and fresh. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, lunch, or weeknight dinner, this slaw will add a touch of excitement to your meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a black cutting board on a white marbled surface with three separate piles of chopped vegetables. In the front, there is a large pile of bright green, sliced snap peas with a fresh, slightly glossy texture. Behind it to the left, whole snap peas are scattered loosely. To the right and slightly behind the snap peas, there is a pile of chopped purple cabbage with crisp, layered leaves showing white veins. At the far back on the cutting board, a quarter of a purple cabbage with visible white core is placed upright. A kitchen knife with a black handle rests on the board near the piles of vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but essential, creating a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that complement each other perfectly. Every component plays a role, whether it's the crispness of the snap peas or the sweet, savory hoisin dressing that ties everything together.

8 ounces snap peas (about 2 ½ cups), trimmed: Slice them on a diagonal for a delicate crunch that is visually appealing and refreshing.
½ red cabbage (thinly sliced, about 6 cups): Adds a bold, purple color and a satisfying crunch that forms the dish’s hearty base.
2 green onions (thinly sliced): Impart a mild onion flavor and a nice pop of green for contrast.
3 tablespoons minced cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley): Brings bright, fresh herbal notes that elevate the slaw.
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: Provides a pleasantly tangy bite that balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons canola oil: Helps the dressing coat the vegetables evenly without overpowering the flavors.
4 teaspoons hoisin sauce: The star ingredient! It offers that signature sweet-savory complexity that makes this slaw unforgettable.
1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness for depth.
¾ teaspoons toasted sesame seeds: A final crunch and subtle toastiness that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by trimming the snap peas and slicing them thinly on a diagonal—this not only makes the texture lighter but also allows the dressing to cling to every piece. Then, thinly slice the red cabbage to about 6 cups’ worth, ensuring your slaw will have that satisfying crunch and vibrant purple color. Add the green onions and minced cilantro (or parsley) to the mix for fresh herbal brightness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, canola oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything vigorously until fully emulsified. This dressing is magical—it’s tangy, sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of savory that will coat every bite of your slaw.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Transfer your crisp vegetables into a serving bowl and pour the luscious hoisin dressing over them. Give it a gentle toss so the dressing envelops all the ingredients evenly. That’s it! You’ve got a stunningly fresh and flavorful Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe ready in just minutes. Serve immediately for the best crunch and brightness.

How to Serve Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe

A plate filled with a colorful salad showing two main layers: deep purple shredded cabbage mixed with bright green sliced scallions and peas, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds on top. The salad is served on a white plate sitting on woven straw mat, with the plate and utensils placed on a white marbled surface. Two silver spoons rest slightly inside the edge of the plate, and a small metal container holding white napkins is visible in the background. The image shows a fresh and vibrant look with a mix of crisp textures and vivid colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add extra texture and visual appeal, sprinkle more toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. For an herbaceous boost, a little extra cilantro or parsley can be scattered as well. If you want a bit of heat, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a dash of chili flakes can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe is a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, pork, or fish. It also shines beside Asian-inspired mains like steamed dumplings or stir-fried noodles. Its crisp freshness cuts through richer dishes and adds a colorful contrast on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the slaw in crunchy lettuce cups as a hand-held snack or as a crunchy topping on rice paper rolls. You can also pile it atop burgers or tacos, giving your savory handhelds a bright, crisp twist that makes every bite more exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the snap peas and cabbage might soften slightly over time, so the slaw is best enjoyed fresh for that unbeatable crunch.

Freezing

This slaw is best savored fresh and is not recommended for freezing because the snap peas and cabbage will lose their crisp texture when thawed. Save this recipe as your go-to quick fresh side instead.

Reheating

Since this dish is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Give leftovers a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute the hoisin sauce in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and a splash of vinegar to approximate the sweet and savory notes, but hoisin does give that unique character to the slaw.

Is this slaw vegan?

Yes, this Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe is completely vegan. All ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect choice for vegan and vegetarian diets.

How long does this slaw keep its crunch?

For the best crunch, enjoy the slaw within a few hours of making it. Stored in the fridge, it will maintain a decent texture for up to 2 days, but it’s definitely crunchiest fresh.

Can I use regular green peas instead of snap peas?

Snap peas provide a crisp texture and sweet flavor that’s quite different from shelled green peas. Regular peas wouldn’t deliver the same crunch, so it’s worth sticking to snap peas if possible.

What can I add to make this slaw more filling?

For a heartier salad, toss in some cooked shredded chicken, toasted nuts, or even edamame. These additions boost protein and make the slaw a complete meal on its own.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to give this Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe a try. It’s a quick, vibrant dish that delivers so much flavor and texture without any fuss. Whether as a side or a light lunch, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a fresh, tasty meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, delicious bite!

Hoisin Snap Pea & Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need