Dessert

Quick Japanese-Style Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Name: Quick Japanese-Style Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 6 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise; 1 tsp white miso paste; 1 tbsp water; 1 tsp rice wine vinegar; 1 tsp white sesame seeds; 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp tahini; ½ tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp bonito flakes / katsuobushi (optional); 2 cups cabbage, grated; 1 carrot, grated; 1 cup red cabbage, grated; ⅓ cup corn; 50 g ham, thinly sliced (optional); Spring onion / green onion, sliced (for garnish, optional)

ByNaomi Fletcher December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

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Introduction

This quick Japanese-style creamy coleslaw is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With a rich, miso-infused dressing and fresh crunchy vegetables, it’s perfect as a side dish or light lunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, it brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table.

A large white bowl filled with colorful coleslaw that has three main layers: shredded white cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and vibrant purple cabbage pieces mixed evenly. Bright yellow corn kernels are scattered throughout the salad adding pops of color, while fresh green sliced scallions sit on top for a fresh contrast. The salad is lightly coated with a creamy, slightly glossy dressing giving the vegetables a moist and fresh look. Two silver spoons rest on the edge of the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise
1 tsp white miso paste
1 tbsp water
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp white sesame seeds
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp tahini
½ tsp sesame oil
1 tsp bonito flakes / katsuobushi (optional)
2 cups cabbage, grated
1 carrot, grated
1 cup red cabbage, grated
⅓ cup corn
50 g ham, thinly sliced (optional)
Spring onion / green onion, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together Kewpie mayonnaise, white miso paste, water, rice wine vinegar, white sesame seeds, sugar, tahini, sesame oil, and bonito flakes if using, until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine grated cabbage, grated carrot, grated red cabbage, corn, and ham if using. Gently mix to distribute the vegetables evenly.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
Step 4: Garnish with sliced spring onions or green onions if desired, and serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Substitute regular mayonnaise for Kewpie if unavailable, but Kewpie adds a richer umami flavor.
Add shredded carrot or cucumber for extra crunch and color.
Omit ham for a vegetarian version, or add cooked chicken for more protein.
Use toasted sesame seeds for a nuttier flavor.

Storage

Store the coleslaw covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh as the vegetables stay crisp. If refrigerated, stir well before serving and consume within 24 hours for optimal texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful coleslaw salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad layers include shredded white cabbage at the base, thin strips of bright orange carrot and deep purple cabbage scattered throughout, with small pieces of yellow corn and green sliced scallions on top. The coleslaw is coated with a creamy white dressing that lightly covers the vegetables, giving a fresh and crunchy look. Two silver serving spoons rest inside the bowl, ready to scoop the salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. However, to keep the vegetables crisp, it’s best not to dress the salad until just before serving.