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)

BySana Jeannette December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

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Introduction

This quick coleslaw features a creamy Japanese-style salad dressing that adds a unique umami flavor. Packed with fresh cabbage, carrot, and a hint of sesame, it’s a refreshing side that pairs well with a variety of meals.

A bowl of coleslaw salad sits on a white marbled textured surface, with two metal spoons sticking out from the right side. The salad has three main layers visible: the base layer is shredded white cabbage, soft and juicy; the middle layer includes thin carrot sticks, adding a bright orange color and crunchy texture; the top layer shows pieces of purple cabbage mixed with chopped green onions, adding fresh green and deep purple colors, and small bits of yellow corn scattered throughout. The ingredients look fresh and coated lightly with creamy dressing. 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 (1.75 oz), thinly sliced (optional)
Spring onion or green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine Kewpie mayonnaise, white miso paste, water, rice wine vinegar, white sesame seeds, sugar, tahini, sesame oil, and optional bonito flakes. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, add grated cabbage, grated carrot, grated red cabbage, corn, and optional sliced ham. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Garnish with sliced spring onion or green onion if desired. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and bonito flakes, and add extra sesame seeds or toasted nuts for crunch.
Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or rice vinegar to suit your taste.
Use regular mayonnaise if Kewpie is not available, although Kewpie adds a distinctive flavor.

For extra texture, include thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumber.

Storage

Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss before serving as the dressing may settle. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness, but refrigerated leftovers can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A bowl of coleslaw with three visible layers of shredded vegetables in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is mainly white and light green shreds of cabbage. The second layer shows bright orange carrot sticks and some pale yellow corn kernels mixed in. The top layer has deep purple cabbage shreds and is dotted with small, bright green slices of spring onion. Two metal serving spoons are placed inside the bowl, mixing the colorful vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this coleslaw in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day ahead, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain crunchiness. If already mixed, expect the salad to soften over time.

What can I substitute for bonito flakes?

If you don’t have bonito flakes, you can omit them or add a dash of soy sauce for a similar savory depth. They are optional but add a traditional umami boost.