Table of Contents
Introduction
Matt Amsden is a renowned chef and author who has been at the forefront of the raw food movement for over two decades. He is the founder of Rawvolution, a company that produces organic, raw, vegan food products, and has authored several cookbooks, including “Rawvolution: Gourmet Living Cuisine” and “The Rawvolution Continues.” One of his popular recipes is Thai Coleslaw, which is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic coleslaw dish.
The History of Thai Coleslaw
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and unique ingredients. One dish that perfectly embodies these characteristics is Thai coleslaw. This refreshing and crunchy salad is a staple in Thai restaurants and has gained popularity in recent years as a healthy and flavorful side dish.
The history of Thai coleslaw can be traced back to the traditional Thai dish called som tam, which is a spicy green papaya salad. Som tam is a popular street food in Thailand and is made by shredding unripe papaya and mixing it with a spicy dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chilies. The salad is then topped with peanuts and dried shrimp for added texture and flavor.
Thai coleslaw is a variation of som tam that uses shredded cabbage instead of papaya. The dressing is similar to the one used in som tam but may also include ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro. The salad is often topped with roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and fresh herbs like mint and basil.
The popularity of Thai coleslaw can be attributed to its versatility and health benefits. The salad is low in calories and fat but high in fiber and nutrients. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. The dressing is also packed with flavor and contains ingredients like lime juice and ginger that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Thai coleslaw has become a popular dish in Western countries, where it is often served as a side dish or a light lunch. Many restaurants have added their own twist to the traditional recipe, incorporating ingredients like mango, avocado, and edamame. The salad can also be made vegan or gluten-free by using alternative ingredients for the dressing.
In addition to its health benefits, Thai coleslaw is also a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients into your diet. The salad is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The addition of fresh herbs like mint and basil adds a fragrant and aromatic element to the dish.
Making Thai coleslaw at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. To make the dressing, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes. Toss the dressing with shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Top the salad with roasted peanuts and fresh herbs like mint and basil.
In conclusion, Thai coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish that has a rich history in Thai cuisine. The salad is a variation of the traditional som tam and has gained popularity in recent years as a versatile and flavorful side dish. Thai coleslaw is a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients into your diet and can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients.
How to Make Thai Coleslaw at Home
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations of ingredients. One dish that perfectly embodies this is Thai coleslaw. This dish is a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional coleslaw, and it’s easy to make at home.
To make Thai coleslaw, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The base of the dish is shredded cabbage, which can be either green or purple. You’ll also need carrots, red bell pepper, and scallions. For the dressing, you’ll need lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Finally, you’ll need some fresh herbs, such as cilantro and mint, to add a burst of flavor.
To start, shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl. Add the shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions. Toss the vegetables together to combine.
Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like your coleslaw spicier, add more chili flakes. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until the vegetables are coated in the dressing. Add the chopped herbs and toss again to distribute them evenly throughout the coleslaw.
Thai coleslaw is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s a great side dish for grilled meats or fish, and it’s also delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack. You can even use it as a topping for tacos or sandwiches.
One of the great things about Thai coleslaw is that it’s easy to customize to your own tastes. If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute it with another herb, such as basil or parsley. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, you can add more sugar to the dressing. And if you want to make it even healthier, you can add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
In addition to being delicious, Thai coleslaw is also very healthy. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it’s also low in calories. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is important for eye health, and they also add a natural sweetness to the dish. Red bell pepper is high in vitamin C, which is important for immune function, and it also adds a pop of color to the coleslaw. And the fresh herbs not only add flavor, but they also provide antioxidants and other health benefits.
In conclusion, Thai coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make at home. With its bold flavors and refreshing crunch, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So next time you’re looking for a new side dish or snack, give Thai coleslaw a try and see how it can brighten up your meal.
Variations of Thai Coleslaw Recipes
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations of ingredients. One dish that perfectly embodies this is Thai coleslaw. This dish is a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional coleslaw, with a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds tingling. In this article, we will explore the different variations of Thai coleslaw recipes that you can try at home.
The first variation is the classic Thai coleslaw recipe. This recipe includes shredded cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, mixed with a dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. The dressing is what gives this dish its distinct Thai flavor. The lime juice adds a tangy taste, while the fish sauce provides a salty umami flavor. The sugar balances out the flavors, and the chili flakes add a spicy kick. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try Thai coleslaw for the first time.
Another variation of Thai coleslaw is the peanut butter coleslaw recipe. This recipe includes all the same ingredients as the classic recipe, but with the addition of peanut butter to the dressing. The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish. This recipe is perfect for those who love peanut butter and want to add a twist to the classic Thai coleslaw recipe.
For those who want a vegetarian option, the tofu Thai coleslaw recipe is a great choice. This recipe includes all the same ingredients as the classic recipe, but with the addition of tofu. The tofu adds a protein source to the dish, making it a filling and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and vegetarian option.
If you want to add some crunch to your Thai coleslaw, the crispy noodle Thai coleslaw recipe is the way to go. This recipe includes all the same ingredients as the classic recipe, but with the addition of crispy noodles. The crispy noodles add a crunchy texture to the dish, making it more interesting to eat. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add some texture to their Thai coleslaw.
For those who want a sweeter version of Thai coleslaw, the mango Thai coleslaw recipe is a great choice. This recipe includes all the same ingredients as the classic recipe, but with the addition of mango. The mango adds a sweet and juicy flavor to the dish, making it a refreshing and delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for those who love sweet and fruity flavors.
Finally, for those who want a spicier version of Thai coleslaw, the sriracha Thai coleslaw recipe is the way to go. This recipe includes all the same ingredients as the classic recipe, but with the addition of sriracha sauce. The sriracha sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish, making it perfect for those who love spicy food. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add some heat to their Thai coleslaw.
In conclusion, Thai coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want a classic recipe or a variation with a twist, there is a Thai coleslaw recipe for everyone. So why not try one of these recipes today and experience the bold flavors of Thai cuisine?
Health Benefits of Thai Coleslaw
Thai Coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish that is gaining popularity all over the world. This dish is a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that are mixed together to create a flavorful and nutritious salad. Thai Coleslaw is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to any diet.
One of the main health benefits of Thai Coleslaw is that it is low in calories and high in fiber. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The fiber in Thai Coleslaw helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time, which can help to reduce your overall calorie intake.
Another health benefit of Thai Coleslaw is that it is packed with vitamins and minerals. The vegetables and herbs used in this dish are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and can help to prevent a variety of diseases and conditions.
Thai Coleslaw is also a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The vegetables and herbs used in Thai Coleslaw are rich in antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for promoting good health.
In addition to its health benefits, Thai Coleslaw is also a delicious and versatile dish. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add protein such as chicken or tofu to their Thai Coleslaw, while others prefer to keep it vegetarian. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious and healthy dish.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to add more vegetables to your diet, then Thai Coleslaw is definitely worth trying. This dish is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you are trying to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or simply want to eat more vegetables, Thai Coleslaw is a great choice.
In conclusion, Thai Coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish that is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you are looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or simply want to eat more vegetables, Thai Coleslaw is a great choice. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and nutritious this dish can be?
Pairing Thai Coleslaw with Other Dishes
Thai Coleslaw is a delicious and refreshing dish that can be paired with a variety of other dishes to create a complete meal. This coleslaw is made with a combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, and is dressed with a tangy and spicy Thai-inspired dressing. The result is a dish that is both crunchy and flavorful, and that pairs well with a range of different flavors and textures.
One great way to enjoy Thai Coleslaw is to pair it with grilled meats or seafood. The cool and crunchy texture of the coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the hot and juicy meat, while the spicy dressing adds a kick of flavor that complements the smoky flavor of the grill. This pairing is particularly popular in the summer months, when outdoor grilling is a popular pastime.
Another great way to enjoy Thai Coleslaw is to pair it with rice or noodles. The coleslaw provides a refreshing and crunchy element to the dish, while the rice or noodles provide a hearty and filling base. This pairing is particularly popular in Thai cuisine, where rice and noodles are staples of many dishes.
Thai Coleslaw can also be paired with other salads or vegetable dishes. The crunchy texture of the coleslaw provides a nice contrast to softer vegetables, while the spicy dressing adds a burst of flavor to the dish. This pairing is particularly popular in vegetarian or vegan cuisine, where the coleslaw can serve as a main dish or a side dish.
Finally, Thai Coleslaw can be paired with a range of different sauces or dips. The tangy and spicy dressing of the coleslaw pairs well with sweet or savory sauces, and can be used as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or chips. This pairing is particularly popular as an appetizer or snack, and is a great way to introduce guests to the flavors of Thai cuisine.
Overall, Thai Coleslaw is a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a range of different flavors and textures. Whether you are looking for a refreshing side dish to complement a grilled meat or seafood, or a hearty base for a rice or noodle dish, Thai Coleslaw is a great choice. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your next meal?
Q&A
1. Who is Matt Amsden?
Matt Amsden is a chef and author who specializes in raw and vegan cuisine.
2. What is Thai coleslaw?
Thai coleslaw is a salad made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, dressed with a spicy and tangy Thai-inspired dressing.
3. What are the ingredients in Thai coleslaw?
The ingredients in Thai coleslaw typically include cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts, dressed with a mixture of lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili paste.
4. How is Thai coleslaw typically served?
Thai coleslaw can be served as a side dish or as a main course, topped with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
5. What makes Thai coleslaw unique?
Thai coleslaw is unique because of its combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, as well as its use of traditional Thai ingredients like chili paste and fish sauce.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Thai Coleslaw is a popular dish that combines the flavors of traditional coleslaw with Thai-inspired ingredients such as cilantro, lime, and peanuts. Matt Amsden, a renowned chef and author, has created his own version of this dish that is both healthy and delicious. His recipe includes a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that is sure to please any palate. Overall, Thai Coleslaw is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.