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Finely chopped cabbage, tangy apple cider vinegar, sweetness from sugar, then pepper, along with a dash of hot sauce, make this one special dish that’s unique to our part of the country.  Anyone who’s ever been to a North Carolina restaurant, shack, or BBQ joint knows about red slaw.
This slaw is great on Air Fryer Hot Dogs, and is a delicious side dish to serve at cookouts, block parties, and family parties.
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
- Shredded Cabbage
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Hot Sauce
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
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. On the other hand, BBQ red slaw has a tangier and more vinegar-forward taste. It often has a touch of sweetness from ingredients like brown sugar but is generally more acidic and zesty due to the addition of vinegar or BBQ sauce.
- Regional Variation: Creamy coleslaw is a popular side dish found in various cuisines and regions, while 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
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
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Brings back fond memories of family and Saturday nights at my favorite Carolina bbq house that by way served the best red slaw and hush puppies .. close as it gets in the NW..this is a really good recipe
Thanks so much, John!
~Donya
This turned out great. I followed the recipe as written. I wonder if adding peanut would work as they’d add texture, saltiness and are a southern food?
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.
Thank you, Cheryl! And I so appreciate the outstanding rating.
~Donya
Made this. Awesome recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Growing up around Asheboro NC…there is nothing like RED BBQ slaw. I’ve been a GA transplant for over 25 years. When we need to feel back home….BBQ/ red slaw and hushpuppies will do the trick. Thanks for this recipe I love treating these Georgians to my hometown fare.
Hey there Kathryn!
My goodness, I am so happy to hear that you found your way to this recipe! Being from NC myself, I couldn’t agree with you more, there’s nothing that tastes more like home than good BBQ served with red slaw and hushpuppies! If you’re interested in other classic Carolina recipes, you should check out my Carolina Slaw Dog Recipe, it’s made with all the classic toppings and it brings back all those happy memories, I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe. Thank you so much for your kind words of support and your fantastic rating, please let me know if you ever have any questions about a recipe!
~Donya
Oh my goodness. I am from LEX N.C. too.luv me some Lex BBQ. Stamey’s, Smokey’s, Andy’s, Kerley’s. So many. I need recipe for those hush puppies too
You know about the good stuff for sure! Enjoy the recipes.
~Donya
Living in North Carolina for 30+ years, I consider myself a connoisseur of barbecue. Red slaw is the best. Most Mom and Pops around here also use it on hot dogs. Delicious!! Really good with a big bowl of pintos too. – Sharon
Hey there Sharon!
It is always delightful to hear from a fellow North Carolinian! Red Slaw is one of my absolute favorites here in NC, there’s nothing better than those Mom and Pop Red Slaw hot dogs. Thank you so much for your fantastic rating and leaving this sweet comment, I appreciate your support!
Hope you’re having a great summer!
~Donya
I used this recipe, but I was not clear on that the amount for apple cider vinegar. Was it a liquid cup measurement or a dry cup measurement ?
Hey there Susana!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, that’s a great question! I use 1/2 of apple cider vinegar, using a liquid measuring cup. I hope this helps, let me know how it goes!
Best,
~Donya
Hey Ray! I’m from little ol Forest City too 😊 and yes Hickory Log had the best red slaw!
This is the BBQ slaw I’ve been searching for for years. The Forest City, NC, barbecue restaurant, Hickory Log, closed a couple of times. That restaurant had the best red slaw. This is it. Now, if only I could find their recipe for ranch beans….
Thank you, Ray!
I’m thrilled you found the recipe.
Enjoy,
~Donya
This slaw was so simple yet so delicious! I could make a meal out of it alone.
I grew up in Lexington, NC. Although I never have measured the ingredients for my recipe, I’d say this one is pretty good. Just make it at least a day or so ahead of time so that the cabbage has some time to bathe in the sauce. It will soften it up, making it just right.
Hey Connie – there’s just nothing like “red slaw” right? I agree making it a day ahead is best. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
XO,
~Donya
Not being from NC, I did not know this slaw, but it is truly delicious and so easy to make. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Vinegar based slaw is the best! Being from NC, I love Lexington #1's slaw the best. I have mastered the recipe, it's the best! Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for this recipe. I love the red slaw at R & R and think this is most likely it. How long will this keep in the fridge? I can't wait to make it……….
It will keep about 3-4 days…if it lasts that long!
Thanks for stopping by,
~Donya
I spent 22 years in the mid west so BBQ is a big part of my life . I moved to NC in 01 and fell even deeper love with BBQ. The sauce and sides are just fantastic. The red slaw is non negotiable . Its an absolute must. Thank you so much for posting a great recipe.
WOW! Thank you so much for for stopping by and for your kind words. If you get a chance, please stop by & sign in with your name so I can keep in touch!
xo,
~Donya
I lived in Gaston County NC for several years and reading this brought back such fond memories. Thank You! We used to go to RO's BBQ and get slaw sandwiches – just red slaw on a bun –
Thank you Ellen for sharing. Food does bring back great memories!
xo,
~Donya