Spicy Chili Crunch Coleslaw with Pineapple is not just your average coleslaw - it's a delicious fusion of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.
If you love trying new dishes, this unique twist on a classic coleslaw is sure to leave you craving for more. Imagine biting into a crispy, tangy coleslaw that also has a spicy kick and a refreshing burst of sweet pineapple.
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This Chili Crunch Coleslaw isn't just any delicious side dish; it's also yummy as a topping for plain, grilled burgers, hot dogs, and fish tacos, and is also perfect to pair with those sweet barbecue sauces we all love.
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What Is Chili Crunch?
Chili crunch, also called chili crisp, is a chile-infused cooking oil loaded with crushed and finely chopped chiles. It also has dried aromatics like garlic, shallots, or onions. Some versions also contain spices, plus other flavors like tamarind and fermented elements like bean paste and soy sauce. The flavor can be mildly spicy or hot, depending on the chiles used.
The Fly by Jing brand has a seriously robust flavor with spicy chiles, while the Aldi Burman's brand is very mild and half the price.
Why This Recipe Works
I love dishes that contain multiple ways to enhance flavors, and this Chili Crunch Coleslaw with Pineapple hits many of the elements that make something delicious. Let's get to the point and break this down quickly...
- Crunchy - Both cabbage and carrots have a satisfying crunch.
- Creamy - The creamy fat of the mayo works to deliver spicy chile flavors and to calm them.
- Spicy Heat & Umami - Chili crunch delivers both spicy heat and umami flavors.
- Sweet - Pineapple is sweet and helps balance the spice.
- Acid - Pineapple is also acidic, which can lift and enhance flavors.
Oh my! Doesn't this sound delicious? Great!
So, let's cook!
Ingredient Notes with Substitutions
Here's what you need to make this Chili Crunch Coleslaw with Pineapple:
- Coleslaw Mix - This is thinly sliced cabbage and carrots. You will need 16 to 20 ounces to have the 8 cups needed for this recipe.
- Mayonnaise - Use your favorite mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Salad Dressing.
- Chili Crunch - Chili crunch is spicy, flavorful, and potent. If you love spicy heat in foods, use the recommended amount in the recipe. Otherwise, use a teaspoon at a time and build the spiciness to your liking. I recommend Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp, which is very flavorful but also very spicy.
- Crushed Pineapple - Pineapple brings sweetness to calm the heat of the chili crunch, plus acidity to make this coleslaw tasty. I used one 8-ounce can that was well drained, but you can add more if you like. Pineapple tidbits are also a very good choice.
- Onion Powder - I love a little onion flavor in my coleslaw, but you can leave this flavor out if you don't.
- Celery Seeds - Most classic coleslaws have celery seeds that are flavorful and add that something "extra" to the flavor of coleslaw.
Garnishes:
- Sliced Green Onions
- A Drizzle of Additional Chili Crunch
Please see the recipe card for the exact quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Whisk. In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until well combined.
Fold. Fold in the coleslaw mix of sliced cabbage and carrots.
Refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the flavors to develop.
Serve. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of chili crunch. Serve and enjoy!
My Top Tip
♡ To control the spicy heat of this coleslaw, make the dressing without the chili crunch. Then add it one teaspoon at a time to build the flavor and heat to your liking.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw needs to be made at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
♡ Did you love this recipe for Chili Crunch Coleslaw? Please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how things went in the ✍ comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
Chili Crunch Coleslaw with Pineapple
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Ingredients
- 8 Cups Coleslaw Mix, Thinly Sliced Cabbage and Carrots (16 to 20 Ounces)
Spicy Coleslaw Dressing:
- ¾ Cup Mayonnaise, or Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
- 8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple, Drained Well
- 2 Tablespoons Chili Crunch
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Celery Seeds
Garnishes:
- Sliced Green Onions
- Additional Chili Crunch
Instructions
- Whisk. In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Fold. Fold in the coleslaw mix of sliced cabbage and carrots.
- Refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the flavors to develop.
- Serve. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of chili crunch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Per 1 serving. All nutritional information on this site is an estimate. Your results may vary.
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