Keto Crack Slaw with ground beef, cabbage, sesame oil, and coconut aminos. Packed with bold flavors and ready in 20 minutes!
I still remember the first time I made Keto Crack Slaw. It was one of those nights—you know, where you’ve got about 20 minutes to throw dinner together, and your fridge looks like it’s been raided by raccoons. I had a pack of ground beef, a bag of coleslaw mix, and some random condiments I wasn’t sure I even liked. I figured, Let’s just throw it all in a pan and hope for the best.
What came out of that pan? Pure magic. The kind of magic that makes your family ask, “Wait, are there leftovers?” before they’ve even finished their first bowl. The smoky sesame oil, the sweetness from the coconut aminos, and just the right amount of heat—it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Now, this dish has become my weeknight hero. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t make me feel guilty afterward.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: even my kids love it. If you’ve ever tried convincing a six-year-old that cabbage is cool, you know that’s no small feat.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Crack Slaw Recipe?
Let’s talk about why this Keto Crack Slaw should be your next dinner:
- 20-Minute Wonder: Seriously, you can make this faster than it takes to scroll TikTok for dinner ideas.
- Big Flavors: It’s like your favorite takeout, but better (and way healthier).
- Low-Carb Hero: Comfort food that fits your keto lifestyle? Yes, please.
- Customizable: Got random veggies? Toss them in. Feeling extra spicy? Crank up the heat.
- Meal Prep Superstar: It tastes even better the next day—if you can wait that long.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down the magic:
- Ground Beef (or Turkey): Beef adds richness, while turkey is a leaner option. Either way, it’s the perfect protein base.
- Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix: The star of the show. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves time, but chopping fresh cabbage works too.
- Sesame Oil: The secret weapon. Its nutty flavor is what makes this dish taste like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy-free soy sauce alternative that’s slightly sweet and totally keto-friendly.
- Garlic and Onion: Because no good stir-fry starts without them.
- Bell Pepper and Scallions: Add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
- Spices: Cayenne, ginger powder, and thyme bring warmth and depth. Adjust the cayenne if you’re not into spice.
- Sesame Seeds and Red Pepper Flakes: The final touch that takes this dish from “good” to “can’t-stop-eating.”
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the sesame oil. It’s what gives this dish its signature flavor.
How To Make Keto Crack Slaw?
This dish comes together in no time, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a skillet, a wooden spoon, and a little confidence.
Step 1. Prep Your Ingredients
Chop your cabbage (if you’re not using pre-shredded), dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Prepping everything beforehand makes the cooking process feel like a breeze.
Step 2. Brown the Meat
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, letting them sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper, and let it brown completely.
Step 3. Add the Veggies
Throw in the shredded cabbage, bell pepper, and scallions. Stir everything together and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. The cabbage should soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, ginger powder, thyme, and cayenne. Pour this over the meat and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly.
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Step 5. Final Touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Need more salt? A bit more cayenne? Go for it. Let the flavors meld for another 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.
Step 6. Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up hot, and if you’re anything like me, eat it straight from the skillet because it’s just that good.
Storage Options:
This dish stores beautifully—if you have any leftovers, that is.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how you can mix things up:
- Protein Swap: Use ground pork, chicken, or even shrimp.
- Extra Veggies: Broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini noodles would be amazing additions.
- No Coconut Aminos?: Soy sauce or tamari works just as well if you’re not avoiding soy.
- Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Nut-Free Option: Use avocado or olive oil instead of sesame oil.
What to Serve with Keto Crack Slaw?
This dish is pretty perfect on its own, but pairing it with a side can make it even better:
- Cauliflower Rice: Soaks up all the sauce and keeps it low-carb.
- Zucchini Noodles: Adds extra veggies and a fresh twist.
- Fried Egg: Pop a sunny-side-up egg on top for the ultimate upgrade.
- Keto-Friendly Sauces: Drizzle with garlic aioli or a touch of keto teriyaki for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s a meal prep favorite. Just reheat gently to keep the cabbage crisp.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
The stovetop is your best bet, but the microwave works too—just don’t overdo it, or the cabbage might get soggy.
So, are you ready to give Keto Crack Slaw a try? It’s quick, customizable, and totally addictive. Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear about your creative twists and toppings!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keto Crack Slaw
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of avocado oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp of fresh minced ginger
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- ¼ tsp of white pepper
- 24 oz coleslaw mix
- 3 tbsp of tamari
- 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil
- 3 thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tsp of sesame seeds
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 3 tbsp of mayonnaise choose egg-free if plant-based
- 2 tbsp of Sriracha YellowBird is highly recommended!
Instructions
- Start by combining the mayonnaise and Sriracha in a bowl to make the spicy mayo. Set it aside for later.
- Next heat up some avocado oil in a skillet, over medium high heat.
- Once the oil is hot add the garlic and ginger. Cook them until their aroma fills the kitchen.
- Now it's time to infuse some flavor. Sprinkle in sea salt, white pepper and coleslaw mix into the skillet. Cook them until the mix starts to wilt
- To bring all the flavors together pour in tamari and sesame oil while stirring to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Finally garnish your dish with onions and sesame seeds. Serve it alongside that mayo you prepared earlier.
- That's all there is to it! Enjoy your delicious Crack Slaw with its balance of flavors.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
