Carolina Red Slaw

4.4
(10)

With this pitmaster recipe for Carolina red slaw, besides learning a new and delicious barbecue side dish, we'll share a few tips that will make every coleslaw better.

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closeup of clear glass bowl of finely cut cabbage slaw with red peppers, green onions on top, on grey counter
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Refrigerate Time:
6 hrs
Stand Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
7 hrs
Servings:
8

I could’ve just copied and pasted the same intro I did for the Cherry Cola Ribs in regards to what inspired this video recipe, since it was, once again, hearing a random mention on some type of barbecue show. Or, was it Triple D? Anyway, I’m so glad I did, since unless you live in or around Lexington, South Carolina, there’s a good chance you may not even know this amazing coleslaw is a thing.

How to Make Carolina Red Slaw

  1.  Carolina red slaw checks all my boxes for a great coleslaw. It’s tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory, with a crispy and crunchy texture that makes every bite you take seem like the first one. 
  2. Besides that, it works perfectly as a side dish, as well as a topping for things like pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. Plus, this is a mayo-free slaw, which means it can sit out on a hot picnic table and not endanger any of your guests. That’s what your potato salad is for. 
  3. Even if you decide this specific coleslaw dressing isn’t for you (I’m looking at you, ketchup snobs), I still hope you utilize the salting step at the beginning of the procedure. That’s what gives this slaw its irresistibly crispy texture, and will make any coleslaw recipe better. Much better. 

Having said that, I’m very proud of my take on this hyper-regional slaw, and I really do hope you give it a try soon. Enjoy! 

More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 pounds finely chopped green cabbage

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 3/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell peppers

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 tablespoon sambal chili sauce, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce, or to taste

  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, or as needed (optional)

Directions

  1. Add finely chopped cabbage to a large bowl and sprinkle over the salt. Mix well and let sit for 30 minutes. If using fine salt, use half the amount.

  2. Transfer cabbage to a strainer, and set aside to drain for 10 minutes.

  3. Add ketchup, red bell pepper, cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sambal chili sauce, and sriracha to a bowl; stir until dressing is well combined. 

  4. Use a spatula or your hand to press down on cabbage in the strainer; this will press out excess water. Discard the liquid (it is fine if cabbage is still slightly damp). Add cabbage to the bowl of dressing; mix well.

  5. Cover slaw and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours (preferably at least overnight), tossing occasionally. Taste before serving, and adjust salt and pepper, or add more hot sauce if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

    closeup of clear glass bowl of finely cut cabbage slaw with red peppers, green onions on top, on grey counter

    Chef John

    Cook's Notes:

    You can chop the cabbage by pulsing on and off with a food processor, but it will tear the cabbage. Chopping by hand with a good sharp knife will give the best result. 

    You can substitute roasted red peppers for the red bell pepper, or use any hot sauce combination you prefer in the dressing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

76 Calories
0g Fat
19g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 76
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 609mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 59mg 65%
Calcium 61mg 5%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 330mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.