A Quick & Flavor-Packed Side Dish for Busy Nights
There’s something deeply satisfying about tossing together a vibrant skillet full of sizzling vegetables that tastes just as good as it looks. That’s exactly what this Weeknight Skillet Slaw offers—bold flavors, minimal prep, and a whole lot of comfort in every forkful.
This quick slaw isn’t your typical picnic-style coleslaw drowning in mayo. Instead, this dish is sautéed on the stovetop, bringing out a delicious caramelization that elevates simple cabbage and veggies into a crave-worthy weeknight meal or side.
Whether you're serving it with grilled meats, as a taco topping, or as a light vegan entrée, this skillet slaw is an all-around kitchen hero.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 medium green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
-
1 cup shredded carrots
-
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
-
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot and shimmering. This is key for achieving that slight char on the veggies that adds so much flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir frequently so it cooks evenly. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the cabbage is tender but still has some crunch.
Step 4: Season It Up
Drizzle in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir well to coat the veggies evenly. Add the red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Let everything cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
💡 Why You'll Love This Recipe
-
✅ Quick to make — 15–20 minutes start to finish
-
✅ Customizable — add your favorite veggies or protein
-
✅ Healthy and light — low in carbs and packed with fiber
-
✅ One-pan convenience — easy cleanup, less mess
-
✅ Vegan & gluten-free friendly
🥬 Tips for the Best Skillet Slaw
1. Don’t overcrowd the skillet:
If you're doubling the recipe, cook in batches to avoid steaming the vegetables. You want sautéing and slight browning.
2. Use a cast-iron skillet or wok:
They retain heat well and give the vegetables a slight char for more depth.
3. Keep it colorful:
Mix red cabbage, green cabbage, and rainbow carrots for a vibrant presentation.
4. Adjust sweetness and acidity:
More maple syrup for sweetness or more vinegar for tang—taste and tweak!
🍽️ What to Serve With Skillet Slaw
This dish is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with:
-
Grilled Chicken or Tofu
-
Fish Tacos
-
Burgers (Meat or Veggie)
-
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
-
Rice or Grain Bowls
Or enjoy it as a main dish by adding:
-
Chickpeas or Black Beans
-
Scrambled Tofu
-
Cooked Noodles (for a stir-fry vibe)
-
Leftover rotisserie chicken
🔁 Variations to Try
Asian-Inspired Slaw:
Use sesame oil, add sliced green onions, and toss with toasted sesame seeds and a splash of rice vinegar and hoisin sauce.
Tex-Mex Slaw:
Add black beans, corn, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Serve with tacos or burritos.
Creamy Vegan Slaw:
Add a touch of cashew cream or tahini dressing for a creamy twist without dairy.
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
Skip carrots and reduce sweetener. Add extra leafy greens or zucchini ribbons.
🌱 Make It Ahead
This skillet slaw is excellent for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day!
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. It’s also delicious cold!
📖 Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
-
Calories: ~120
-
Carbs: 10–12g
-
Fat: 7g
-
Fiber: 3–4g
-
Protein: 2g
(Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)
🧑🍳 Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This skillet slaw has become a staple in our house. It’s fast, healthy, and goes with everything!"
— Rachel M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I added tofu cubes and some sriracha and turned it into a full meal. So good!"
— James L.
🛍️ Shopping & Storage Tips
-
Cabbage: Look for firm, compact heads. Green or savoy cabbage works great.
-
Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots save time but grate your own for better texture.
-
Bell Peppers: Red adds sweetness, but feel free to use orange or yellow.
-
Leftovers: Store in fridge for 3–4 days. Avoid freezing—it changes the texture.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Skillet slaw is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something nourishing and flavorful. It’s the perfect dish when you're tired, short on time, or just want something fresh and satisfying.