Why Make This Recipe
Asian Ramen Salad is a delicious and crunchy dish that brings together a mix of flavors and textures. It’s not just tasty, but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or potlucks. The combination of fresh coleslaw and toasted ramen noodles creates a satisfying crunch, while the dressing adds a burst of flavor.
How to Make Asian Ramen Salad
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix
- 2 bags ramen noodles (3 ounces each), crumbled (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the crumbled ramen noodles, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. Then, stir the mixture and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Let this mixture cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, white sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the coleslaw mix and the cooled toasted ramen mixture to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well combined and serve immediately.
How to Serve Asian Ramen Salad
Asian Ramen Salad can be served as a side dish or a main course. It’s great on its own or paired with grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. You can also top it with some fresh herbs or extra green onions for garnish.
How to Store Asian Ramen Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day or two. The noodles may lose their crunch over time due to the dressing, so consider storing the them separately if you plan to keep it longer.
Tips to Make Asian Ramen Salad
- Toast the ramen/Nuts: Ensure the ramen and nuts are evenly toasted for the best flavor. Keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid burning.
- Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling.
Variation
You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for added color and nutrition. Some people like to include edamame or snap peas for extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. However, for the best crunch, prepare the noodle mixture just before serving.
Q: Is this salad vegetarian?
A: Yes, Asian Ramen Salad is vegetarian as it does not contain any meat or animal products.
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A: Yes, you can use other types of noodles like soba or whole wheat noodles if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
