Asian Slaw with Grapefruit

Ingredients:

For the Slaw:

• ¼ white cabbage
• ¼ red cabbage (or use ½ of either white or red cabbage)
• 3 carrots
• 2 grapefruits (pink variety recommended)

For the Dressing:

• 5 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 ½ tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp ginger (grated)

For Topping:

• ½ cup crispy fried onions
• 3 spring onions (sliced)
• 1 cup soft herbs (such as mint, cilantro, basil, or parsley)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (black and white for contrast, or either works fine)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slaw:

   • Finely shred the white and red cabbage using a food processor, mandoline, or box grater. Be cautious of your fingers!
   • Grate the carrots. If the carrots are thin-skinned and fresh, you can skip peeling; for older carrots, peel them to avoid bitterness.
   • Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the Grapefruit:

   • To segment the grapefruit, slice off the skin and pith to expose the flesh. Use a sharp knife to cut out each segment from its membrane, or slice the peeled grapefruit into rounds.
   • Keep the grapefruit pieces in a separate bowl to prevent them from getting mixed into the slaw.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), rice vinegar, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
   • Taste the dressing—it should be intense and tangy. Adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more lime juice, vinegar, or salt if needed.

4. Combine the Slaw and Dressing:

   • Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the vegetables, which helps the cabbage soften slightly and ensures the dressing is evenly distributed.
   • Taste again and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Assemble the Slaw:

   • Transfer the dressed slaw to a serving platter or bowl. Arrange the grapefruit segments on top of the slaw.

6. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle the slaw with sliced spring onions, sesame seeds, and crispy fried onions.
   • Garnish with your choice of soft herbs (such as mint, cilantro, basil, or parsley) for a fresh and aromatic finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • This slaw is great as a stand-alone dish or served alongside proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp, or as a filling in wraps and sandwiches.

Notes:

• Meal Prep Tip: This slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in a lidded container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds up well and gets more flavorful as it sits.
• Adjusting Flavors: The dressing is quite adjustable depending on your taste preferences. You can increase the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or adjust the acidity with more lime or vinegar.

This Asian Slaw with Grapefruit is a zesty, refreshing dish that combines crunch, sweetness, and tang in every bite. It's the perfect complement to any meal or as a light, standalone dish. Enjoy!