Craving a juicy, tender pulled pork sandwich? Let's be honest, the meat is amazing, but the real magic lies in the slaw. A perfectly balanced slaw, with its crisp crunch and bright tang, elevates a good pulled pork sandwich to legendary status. This recipe delivers just that – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful slaw that's the perfect complement to your favorite pulled pork. It's a delicious side dish that can be adapted to suit your taste, making it ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and weekend BBQs. Let's dive in and create the best slaw for your pulled pork sandwich!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or brown)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Start by slicing the cabbage thinly. Using a mandoline or food processor can significantly speed this up, ensuring even slices. Shred the carrot using a grater or the same food processor. The thinner your slices, the better the slaw will absorb the dressing and the more tender it will be after sitting.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more vinegar for extra tang or sugar for added sweetness depending on your preference.
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Combine and Chill: Add the shredded cabbage and carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling step also helps to soften the cabbage slightly, making it more tender and enjoyable to eat. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will become – up to a few hours is perfectly fine!
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Serve and Enjoy: Your slaw is now ready! Spoon it generously onto your pulled pork sandwiches. The crunchy slaw perfectly balances the richness of the pulled pork, creating a harmonious flavor combination that will leave you wanting more.
Cooking Tips for the Best Slaw:
- Thinly Sliced Cabbage: This is crucial for a good slaw. Thin slices allow the dressing to penetrate more easily and result in a more tender texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently toss the slaw with the dressing to avoid wilting the cabbage.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter slaw, while others prefer it more tart.
Variations:
- Spicy Slaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
- Creamy Slaw: Increase the mayonnaise to ¾ cup for a richer, creamier slaw.
- Fruity Slaw: Add diced apples, grapes, or cranberries for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Herby Slaw: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used, but a typical serving of this slaw will contain approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious and easy slaw recipe is a perfect addition to your pulled pork sandwiches, adding a delightful textural and flavor contrast. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress! It's a fantastic way to elevate a classic dish and create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!