Crack slaw is a one-pan dish that’s all the rage nowadays, and it’s easy to understand why.
Also known as “egg roll in a bowl,” it’s an addictive mix of coleslaw and ground beef. It’s a simple dish, yet it’s so full of flavor.
Plus, it’s easy to make. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect low-carb meal. I promise you’ll love it!
Low-Carb Crack Slaw
This addictive dish of meat and cabbage certainly lives up to this name.
It’s a simple stir-fry of coleslaw mix, ground meat, and umami-rich Asian seasonings. Think egg rolls minus the wrapper.
I use beef in my recipe, but you can also use chicken or turkey for a leaner dish.
And this low-carb delight is as easy as it sounds. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect healthy weeknight dinner.
Try it for a guilt-free, savory meal you’ll want to put on repeat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a quick and tasty crack slaw.
- Ground beef, turkey, or chicken – Choose your meat. It’s the main protein and adds heartiness to the dish.
- Olive oil – It’s necessary for sautéing.
- Coleslaw mix – It’s a quick way to add vegetables to your dish. Coleslaw mix includes shredded cabbage and sometimes carrots. You can use fresh vegetables if you prefer.
- Green onions – They’re used for cooking and garnishing, offering a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Garlic and ginger – These aromatic spices add flavor.
- Soy sauce – It adds the umami flavor, making the dish savory and rich.
- Sesame oil – It adds a distinct, nutty flavor, typical of Asian cuisine.
- Rice vinegar – It provides a mild acidity, helping to balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Sriracha – To spice the dish up.
- Optional sweetener – Use sugar, honey, or Splenda. A small amount can help balance the dish’s flavors.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Sesame seeds (optional) – For a crunchy garnish.
How to Make Crack Slaw
Whip up this addictive crack slaw in a few easy steps:
1. Prep the aromatics. Thinly slice the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger.
2. Brown the ground meat. Sauté the ground meat in a skillet, breaking up chunks, for 5-7 minutes.
3. Toss in the fresh veggies. Add the coleslaw mix and aromatics to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Combine all of the ingredients. Add the cooked meat back to the mix. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sriracha, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
5. Plate and garnish. Spoon the crack slaw into bowls. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for a perfect dish every time.
- Add a pop of color. If your coleslaw mix is plain, throw in shredded carrots and red cabbage to brighten the dish.
- Drain the fat. If using fatty ground beef, drain excess grease to ensure your dish isn’t overly oily.
- Go easy on the salt! Soy sauce adds plenty of saltiness. Taste before adding more salt. You can always season more at the table.
- Try a fun twist. Use broccoli slaw for another way to keep things low-carb while adding extra nutrients.
- Make it hearty. For an even lower-carb meal, cauliflower rice makes a great base.
- Go vegetarian. Use tofu crumbles instead of meat.
- Want it extra crispy? Keep the coleslaw a little crunchy when cooking.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days. Freezing isn’t recommended.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes
Air Fryer Dumplings
Kung Pao Chicken
Ramen Noodle Asian Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad
Oriental Coleslaw
Low-Carb Crack Slaw
4
servings15
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minutesThis crack slaw is a low-carb lover’s dream! The mix of ground beef, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, and ginger is a true flavor explosion.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, honey, or Splenda, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Thinly slice the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with a little salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired.
- Divide the crack slaw among plates or bowls. It can be served as is or over a bed of rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Notes
- Use tofu crumbles to make it vegetarian.
- Want it extra crispy? Keep the coleslaw a little crunchy when cooking.
- Add other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
