Are you on the hunt for a delicious, healthy meal that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than Low Carb Crack Slaw! This quick and easy recipe is packed with savory flavors, low in carbs, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re new to low-carb diets or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try. It combines crunchy cabbage, savory meat, and flavorful seasonings that will leave you craving more.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, its ingredients, tips and tricks for making it even better, and how to make it your own. Plus, we’ve got some great food pairing suggestions to make your meal complete. So, let’s get cooking!
What is Low Carb Crack Slaw?
Low Carb Crack Slaw is a savory stir-fry dish made with cabbage, ground meat (like pork, beef, or chicken), and a combination of delicious, low-carb seasonings. This dish mimics the flavors of egg roll filling without the carb-heavy wrapper. It’s a perfect meal for those following a keto, paleo, or low-carb diet.
The name “crack slaw” comes from how addictive this dish can be – once you start eating, it’s hard to stop! It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and easy to customize to your liking.
Ingredients for the recipe
This simple keto recipe is reminiscent of a stir-fry, but requires fewer ingredients, less prep, and cooks in no time. It’s perfect for meal prepping and can easily be doubled or tripled. Plus, it tastes just like your favorite egg roll, but without all the extra carbs – it’s often referred to as “egg roll in a bowl.”
- Cooking oil : Use a neutral oil like vegetable, avocado, or olive oil to sauté the onions.
- White onion
- Ground beef : We prefer lean beef (93/7).
- Minced garlic : You’ll need several fresh garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. If using garlic powder, use at least a teaspoon.
- Ginger paste : Fresh ginger works well too, just be sure to mince it finely.
- Sea salt and pepper
- Pre-shredded coleslaw mix : We used a tri-color coleslaw mix. Using a pre-shredded bag saves a lot of time, but you can definitely slice up a head of cabbage yourself.
- Light soy sauce : You can also use coconut aminos as an alternative.
- Rice vinegar (or mirin) : We don’t recommend apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, as rice vinegar has a unique Asian flavor that complements this dish.
- Chili sesame oil : This is optional, but we suggest skipping it if you prefer a non-spicy version.
- Sesame oil : Adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Sriracha sauce : This adds plenty of spice and flavor, so use sparingly for a milder dish.
- Green onions : For garnish.
How to Make Low Carb Crack Slaw
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground beef, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet and stir well. Cook for a few more minutes until the cabbage softens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili sesame oil, sesame oil, and Sriracha. (Optional: Add an extra tablespoon of ginger paste for more flavor.)
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage, tossing to combine.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Crack Slaw Recipe Tips
- Use Lean Ground Meat: For a healthier option, choose lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken or pork, depending on your preference.
- Customize the Veggies: While coleslaw mix is a great base, you can add extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your dish spicier, increase the amount of Sriracha or add red pepper flakes to taste. If you prefer it milder, use less chili sesame oil and Sriracha.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. There are plenty of great gluten-free soy sauce options available.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or basil over the top before serving.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Crack Slaw is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be easily reheated.
FAQs about Low Carb Crack Slaw
- Can I make Crack Slaw ahead of time?
- Yes! Crack Slaw can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It’s great for meal prepping!
- Can I freeze Crack Slaw?
- While you can freeze Crack Slaw, the texture of the cabbage may change once frozen and reheated. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container, and reheat it thoroughly.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
- Yes! You can use napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, or any type of cabbage you prefer, although the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
- Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
- Yes, you can use alternatives like coconut aminos or tamari if you’re looking for a gluten-free or soy-free option.
- Is Crack Slaw spicy?
- The recipe includes Sriracha and chili sesame oil, which adds spice. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less of these ingredients, or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I make Crack Slaw vegetarian or vegan?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground meat with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Adjust the seasonings and sauce accordingly to suit your taste.
- What can I serve Crack Slaw with?
- Crack Slaw can be served on its own or with rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed veggies. It’s also great as a topping for lettuce wraps.
Conclusion:
Crack Slaw is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With the ability to customize ingredients and adjust seasonings to suit your preferences, it’s a dish that can be tailored to meet any dietary need or taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a low-carb option, or a way to use up leftover vegetables, Crack Slaw is a delicious choice that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!
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Low Carb Crack Slaw
- Total Time: 25mins
Description
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons cooking oil vegetable oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc.
- 1 medium white onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3-4 cloves of garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
- 1-2 tablespoons ginger paste or finely minced ginger, divided
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 14 oz. bag of tri-color coleslaw
- 4 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or mirin
- 1 teaspoon chili sesame oil optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha optional
- 2-3 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion in cooking oil over medium heat until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until the meat is cooked through and no pink remains.
- Add the coleslaw and stir into the beef mixture, cooking several more minutes until the cabbage has wilted.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili sesame oil, sesame oil, and Sriracha. Add a additional tablespoon of ginger paste, if desired.
- Pour soy sauce mixture over the cooked crack slaw and toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Minced garlic or fresh minced ginger can be used. However, the pastes infuse flavor through the entire dish and they are convenient.
- Crack slaw has a medium spice level. If desired, omit or reduce the chili sesame oil and sriracha. You can also reduce the ginger if needed.
- Do not cook the onions in sesame oil due to the strong unique flavor. It can be over powering. Sesame oil is best as a finishing oil.
- Prep Time: 10 Mins
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 people
- Calories: 371kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g