This back-of-packet salad from the packet of Chang's Crispy Noodles is an Aussie staple! I've tweaked the dressing slightly to make it less oily and reduce the sugar, and it's still just as good in my opinion.Serve with everything - it might have Asian roots, but it appears at every backyard BBQ alongside snags, steaks and kebabs!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Course: Side Salad
Cuisine: Asian-esque, Western
Keyword: Cabbage Salad, chinese cabbage salad, crispy noodle salad, wombok
Servings: 5- 8 people
Author: Nagi
Ingredients
1Chinese cabbage (wombok), or 1/2 a giant one(Note 1)
100g/ 3.5ozChang's crispy noodles(store bought, the fine ones not chunky ones, Note 2)
2tbspsoy sauce, all purpose or light, NOT dark soy sauce
2tspsesame oil, toasted (brown, not yellow untoasted)
5tbspolive oil
Instructions
Toast almonds: Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a small skillet over medium heat until lightly browned (no oil). Remove immediately and let cool.
Dressing: Shake Dressing ingredients in a jar until sugar is dissolved. (This keeps for 3 weeks!)
Shred cabbage: Cut cabbage (see photos in post, helpful): cut 1 slit down the middle lengthwise (or 2, if it's giant like the one I used). Then finely slice so it's shredded. Just use the top 1/2 - 2/3, mostly leafy part. Reserve the thick crunchy white part for another use (excellent in stir fries!).
Toss everything except crispy noodles: Place cabbage in a big bowl with toasted almonds and green onions. Pour over Dressing, toss well.
Add crispy noodles! Toss through noodles just before serving so they stay crisp!
Notes
1. Cabbage - you will need 8 heaped cups - lots!Chinese cabbage, also known as wombok, is the best for this particular salad. The leaves are not as stiff as normal cabbage, so it flops nicely once dressed without leaving it to wilt (which makes the leaves a bit soggy).2. Crispy Noodles - the great Aussie classic is made with Chang's Crispy Noodles which are found at Coles & Woolies in Australia (Asian aisle, ~$1 a packet). There's other brands that make virtually the same noodles that you can find at Asian stores and copy-cats at Aldi. Here's one I found in the US - La Choy Crispy Chow Mein noodles - Walmart & Amazon.Excellent substitute - BAKED ramen or instant noodles! Use two packets of ramen or instant noodles (like Maggi!). Discard seasoning packet, break it up into pieces, spread on tray, spray with oil and bake at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes, tossing halfway. Works a treat (I also do this for Crispy Chow Mein Noodles).3. Storage - Unlike other cabbage salads like Coleslaw, this is best made fresh. To make ahead, just prepare all the ingredients and toss before serving. This is a staple lunch for me with some shredded chicken!