Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a delicious and easy coleslaw recipe that tastes like the famous Salt Lick BBQ coleslaw, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make this crunchy and tangy salad with simple ingredients and a few tips and tricks.
Salt Lick BBQ is a popular restaurant chain in Texas that serves mouthwatering barbecue dishes and sides. One of their signature items is their coleslaw, which has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other coleslaws. It is made with shredded cabbage, toasted sesame seeds, celery seeds, white pepper, and a vinegar-based dressing that is slightly sweet and sour.
Why You Should Try Salt Lick Coleslaw
There are many reasons why you should try making Salt Lick coleslaw at home. Here are some of them:
- It is easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and a large bowl to toss everything together. You can also use a food processor or a mandolin to shred the cabbage faster.
- It is versatile. You can serve it as a side dish for any barbecue meal, such as ribs, brisket, chicken, or pulled pork. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos. Or you can enjoy it as a light salad on its own.
- It is healthy. Coleslaw is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that can boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Sesame seeds are also a good source of protein, calcium, iron, and healthy fats that can improve your heart health and skin health.
How to Make Salt Lick Coleslaw
Here is the basic recipe for making Salt Lick coleslaw at home. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1/8 cup of vegetable oil
- A pinch of celery seed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/8 cup of Salt Lick Vinegar Mix (see below)
To make the Salt Lick Vinegar Mix, you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
To make the coleslaw, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with the oil until well coated.
- Sprinkle the celery seed and sesame seeds over the cabbage and toss again.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the vinegar to a boil. Add the sugar and salt and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in the white pepper.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and toss well to combine.
- Transfer the coleslaw to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making Salt Lick Coleslaw
To make your Salt Lick coleslaw even better, here are some tips and tricks you can try:
- If you want to add some color and crunch to your coleslaw, you can mix in some shredded red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, or onions.
- If you want to make your coleslaw more creamy, you can add some mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing. However, this will also increase the calories and fat content of your coleslaw.
- If you want to make your coleslaw more tangy or sweet, you can adjust the amount of vinegar or sugar in the dressing according to your taste.
- If you want to make your coleslaw more spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the dressing.
- If you want to make your coleslaw more flavorful, you can add some fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, dill, or mint to the salad.
How to Store Salt Lick Coleslaw
Salt Lick coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best consumed within 24 hours as it will lose some of its crunch and freshness over time.
You can also freeze Salt Lick coleslaw for up to 3 months. However, the texture and flavor may change after thawing. To freeze coleslaw, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Label and date the container and place it in the freezer. To thaw coleslaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or microwave it on low power until soft.
Health Benefits of Coleslaw
Coleslaw is not only a tasty and easy side dish, but also a healthy one. Here are some of the health benefits of coleslaw:
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It can help boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and prevent cancer. |
| Sesame seeds | Sesame seeds are a good source of protein, calcium, iron, and healthy fats. They can help improve your heart health, skin health, bone health, and blood health. |
| Vinegar | Vinegar is a fermented product that contains acetic acid and probiotics. It can help lower your blood sugar, improve your digestion, and balance your pH levels. |
| Sugar | Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides energy for your body and brain. It can also help enhance the flavor of coleslaw and make it more palatable. |
| Salt | Salt is an essential mineral that regulates your fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It can also help preserve coleslaw and prevent bacterial growth. |
| Pepper | Pepper is a spice that contains capsaicin and piperine. It can help boost your metabolism, reduce pain, fight infections, and improve your mood. |
FAQs About Salt Lick Coleslaw
What is Salt Lick?
Salt Lick is a restaurant chain in Texas that specializes in barbecue dishes and sides. It was founded in 1967 by Thurman Roberts Sr. and his wife Hisako Tsuchiyama Roberts. The original location is in Driftwood, near Austin, but there are also branches in Round Rock and Grapevine.
What makes Salt Lick coleslaw different from other coleslaws?
Salt Lick coleslaw has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other coleslaws. It is made with shredded cabbage, toasted sesame seeds, celery seeds, white pepper, and a vinegar-based dressing that is slightly sweet and sour. It is crunchy, tangy, and refreshing.
Can I make Salt Lick coleslaw vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Salt Lick coleslaw vegan or gluten-free by making some simple substitutions. To make it vegan, you can use vegan mayonnaise or sour cream if you want to add some creaminess to the dressing. To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
How do I toast sesame seeds?
To toast sesame seeds, you can use a skillet or an oven. To use a skillet, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Shake the pan occasionally until the seeds start to turn golden brown and become fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. To use an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and spread the sesame seeds on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once or twice.
Can I use other types of cabbage for Salt Lick coleslaw?
Yes, you can use other types of cabbage for Salt Lick coleslaw if you prefer. You can use red cabbage or purple cabbage for some color contrast and a slightly peppery flavor. You can also use Napa cabbage or Chinese cabbage for a softer texture and a milder flavor.
Can I use other types of vinegar for Salt Lick coleslaw?
Yes, you can use other types of vinegar for Salt Lick coleslaw if you like. You can use apple cider vinegar for a fruity flavor and some extra health benefits. You can also use rice vinegar for a mild flavor and an Asian twist.
Can I make Salt Lick coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Salt Lick coleslaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best to serve it within 24 hours as it will lose some of its crunch and freshness over time. You can also freeze Salt Lick coleslaw for up to 3 months, but the texture and flavor may change after thawing.
What can I serve with Salt Lick coleslaw?
Salt Lick coleslaw is a perfect side dish for any barbecue meal, such as ribs, brisket, chicken, or pulled pork. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos. Or you can enjoy it as a light salad on its own. Here are some recipes that go well with Salt Lick coleslaw:
- [BBQ Ribs with Salt Lick Dry Rub]
- [Brisket Sandwiches with Salt Lick BBQ Sauce]
- [Chicken Tacos with Salt Lick Coleslaw and Avocado Crema]
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Salt Lick coleslaw at home. This coleslaw is crunchy, tangy, and refreshing, and it tastes like the famous Salt Lick BBQ coleslaw. It is easy to make with simple ingredients and a few tips and tricks. It is also versatile, healthy, and delicious.
If you liked this article, please check out our other articles on how to make other barbecue dishes and sides. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on our recipes and tips. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!