Carolina BBQ Red Slaw is a tangy, no-mayo cabbage slaw recipe perfect for BBQs! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect match for pulled pork and ribs and makes a delicious make-ahead side dish.
This slaw is great on Crock Pot Pulled Pork, Air Fryer Hot Dogs, and is a delicious side dish to serve at cookouts, block parties, and family parties.
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5-Star Reader Comment
The absolute best BBQ slaw ever. I made 4 recipes of this for a friends birthday party (pig picking). A the end of the night it was all gone.
Cheryl
If you’re looking for a great coleslaw for pulled pork, try making slaw for pulled pork! I’ve been making this red cabbage slaw for years to serve with one of my most requested recipes, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, and I guarantee it’ll become your new favorite slaw recipe!
This BBQ Slaw brings back memories of wonderful food served in my great home state. A good red cabbage coleslaw recipe should be plain and delicious, nothing fancy, no need to add something extra…it’s a tradition that speaks for itself.
Time Saving Tips For Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe
- Shred the cabbage using a food processor: If you don’t have pre-shredded cabbage available, save time by using a food processor with a shredding attachment. This will quickly shred the cabbage for your slaw.
- Use coleslaw mix: To save time on chopping cabbage, use pre-packaged coleslaw mix, which typically includes both green and red cabbage. It’s readily available in most grocery stores.
- Use a large bowl: When mixing the ingredients together, use a large bowl to make it easier to toss and coat the cabbage evenly. This will save you time by minimizing the need for multiple mixing batches.
Ingredients For Red BBQ Slaw
- Cabbage: Finely chopped for the best texture in every bite.
- Ketchup and Apple Cider Vinegar: Together, these two give the slaw its tangy base with a touch of sweetness.
- Sugar, Salt, and Pepper: To balance flavors, a little sweetness and seasoning go a long way.
- Dash of Hot Sauce: Optional, but if you like a bit of a kick, a dash of hot sauce is perfect for a little heat.
Recipe Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Sweeten it Up: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a little more sugar or even honey for natural sweetness.
- Extra Crunch: Throw in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, or red onion to add color and a bit of crunch.
How To Make BBQ Slaw
- Prep the Cabbage: Finely chop the cabbage and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. The flavors get better as they sit, so let it chill for at least an hour if you can.
How Long Is This Coleslaw Good For?
This cabbage slaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop over time, so it’s even better the next day!
Difference Between Creamy Slaw And BBQ Red Slaw
- Flavor: Creamy coleslaw has a rich and creamy taste due to its mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressing. It typically has a slightly tangy and sweet flavor, balanced with the creaminess of the dressing.
- Regional Variation: Blue cheese coleslaw, cranberry pecan coleslaw, and pineapple apple coleslaw are popular side dishes in various cuisines and regions. BBQ red slaw is particularly associated with North Carolina BBQ traditions. Red slaw is often served as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches and is a staple in North Carolina-style BBQ joints.
Commonly Asked BBQ Questions
BBQ red slaw is a tangy and vibrant coleslaw variation commonly associated with North Carolina-style barbecue. It features red cabbage or a combination of red and green cabbage, dressed with a tangy mixture of vinegar, oil, sugar, and spices.
The level of spiciness in BBQ red slaw can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Some versions include a hot sauce or spices that provide a mild to moderate heat level. However, you can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of hot sauce or spices according to your taste.
Yes, using store-bought coleslaw mix can be a time-saving option for preparing BBQ red slaw. Look for a mix that includes both green and red cabbage for the desired color and texture.
Delicious Dishes To Serve With Red BBQ Slaw
If you tried this BBQ Red Slaw Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cabbage – finely chopped
- â…” cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Place chopped cabbage in a large bowl.
- Whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over cabbage and toss until well mixed.
- Store in an airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve with pulled pork on rolls, ribs or BBQ chicken
Notes
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- Make it Spicy: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
-
- Sweeten it Up: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a little more sugar or even honey for natural sweetness.
-
- Extra Crunch: Throw in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, or red onion to add color and a bit of crunch.
Nutrition
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Becky Ferguson
Very good, barbecue, slaw
Tony
This is by far the best bbq slaw I’ve made. My wife, who doesn’t like red bbq slaw, likes this one. Everyone loved at my last cookout .
Thanks, Toni! You’ve made my day and I’m thrilled you like the slaw.
~Donya