This Summer Meat Slaw is an exciting twist on the classic coleslaw. It’s packed with savory pulled pork (or any other cooked, shredded meat), crisp vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, and lightly sautéed cabbage. The combination of flavors makes this slaw the perfect addition to summer cookouts. With a zesty chile-garlic sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, it’s not only refreshing but also incredibly satisfying. Customize with your favorite dressing and vegetables to make it truly your own!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage
• ½ cup sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 large carrot
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 cups pulled pork or other cooked, shredded meat
• ¼ cup avocado oil, divided, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chile garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®)
• ⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pulled pork (or your choice of shredded meat) and sauté it for a few minutes to warm it through. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Sauté the Cabbage: In a separate pan, heat another tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the cabbage and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, just until it begins to soften but still retains a slight crunch.
4. Assemble the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cooked meat, and green onions. Add the chile garlic sauce, rice vinegar, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well-coated.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 321 kcal
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 19g

The Versatility of Shredded Meat in Slaws

Shredded meat is a wonderful addition to slaw-based dishes because it provides not only a hearty protein component but also a depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables. Pulled pork is often a favorite choice due to its tender, juicy texture and ability to absorb flavors, but you can also experiment with other shredded meats like chicken, beef, or even lamb.

Using leftovers or pre-cooked shredded meat is an excellent time-saver, allowing you to pull this dish together in no time at all. Slow-cooked meats, such as pork shoulder or chicken, offer rich flavors that can enhance the overall taste of the slaw. The key to making shredded meat shine in a dish like this is to lightly sauté it with garlic, which brings out its savory notes, before combining it with the vegetables and the tangy dressing.

The Health Benefits of Cabbage and Other Vegetables

Cabbage is the star vegetable in this dish, providing a satisfying crunch and a wealth of health benefits. Cabbage is rich in fiber, which supports digestive health, and it’s also packed with vitamins C and K. Additionally, cabbage contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an excellent choice for supporting overall health.

The shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions not only add vibrant color to the dish but also contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for eye health and immune function. Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health. Green onions add a mild onion flavor while also providing a dose of fiber and vitamins A and K.

Together, these vegetables form a nutrient-packed base that enhances the nutritional profile of the dish. The vegetables also provide a contrast of textures, from the tender cabbage to the crunchy carrots and bell peppers, making each bite more enjoyable.

Balancing Flavors with Chile Garlic Sauce and Rice Vinegar

One of the key elements that elevate this shredded meat and vegetable slaw is the dressing. The combination of chile garlic sauce and seasoned rice vinegar creates a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Chile garlic sauce, such as Sriracha®, is made from fermented chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, giving it a unique umami flavor with a spicy kick. It adds depth to the dish, while the rice vinegar offers a tangy acidity that helps balance out the richness of the pork.

The sweetness of the rice vinegar complements the savory notes of the pork, and the heat from the chile garlic sauce adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors. Together, they create a vibrant dressing that ties all the components of the dish together, bringing harmony and balance to every bite.

The Role of Avocado Oil in the Recipe

Avocado oil plays a vital role in this recipe, as it’s used for sautéing the vegetables and meat. Avocado oil is an excellent cooking oil choice due to its high smoke point and heart-healthy fats. Unlike many other cooking oils, avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from damage.

By using avocado oil in this recipe, you’re not only enhancing the flavor of the dish but also boosting its nutritional profile. Its mild flavor ensures that the natural tastes of the meat and vegetables shine through without being overpowering.

Garnishing with Fresh Cilantro and Green Onions

The finishing touches of fresh cilantro and green onions add brightness and an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Cilantro is known for its fresh, citrusy notes, and it’s often used in many cuisines worldwide to complement savory dishes. It adds a fragrant element that cuts through the richness of the pork and balances the spice of the chile garlic sauce.

Green onions, when added as a garnish, offer a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish without being too pungent. They also add a pop of color, making the dish look more vibrant and inviting. The combination of cilantro and green onions creates a fresh, herbaceous finish to each serving, making every bite more enjoyable.

Customizing the Dish

One of the best things about this shredded meat and vegetable slaw is its versatility. While the recipe calls for pulled pork, you can easily swap it out for other cooked, shredded meats like chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The vegetables can also be tailored to suit your preferences or what’s in season. For example, you could add or substitute ingredients like cabbage slaw mix, bok choy, or snow peas for a different texture or flavor.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of chile garlic sauce or add a touch of hot sauce to the dressing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chile garlic sauce or even omit it entirely. This recipe is all about finding the right balance of flavors to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This Shredded Meat and Vegetable Slaw is a delicious, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender, savory meat, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, spicy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a hearty side dish, or a meal prep solution, this recipe delivers a satisfying, flavorful, and healthy option. The fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavors make this dish a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

With its customizable nature, you can easily make this dish your own by choosing your favorite protein and vegetables or adjusting the level of spice to match your preference. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the flavors you love. Give this shredded meat and vegetable slaw a try, and you’ll find that it’s a meal that checks all the boxes—delicious, nutritious, and simple to make.