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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.
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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
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Three Ingredient Oven Beef Brisket
- Grilled Flank Steak
- Smoked Pulled Pork
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
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 .
Donya Mullins
Thanks, Toni! You’ve made my day and I’m thrilled you like the slaw.
~Donya