Looking for a zesty twist on traditional coleslaw? Jamie Oliver Kimchi Coleslaw is the spicy, crunchy side you didn’t know you needed. With shredded cabbage, leek, and carrot tossed in a punchy blend of gochugaru, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil, it’s a bold, flavorful dish that livens up everything from tacos to grilled meats. I whipped this up for a BBQ side and it totally stole the show. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 600g white cabbage, finely shredded
- 200g leek, finely sliced
- 100g carrot, shredded
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 tsp grated garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp distilled vinegar (12%)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1–2 tsp salt
- ½–1 tbsp granulated sugar
How To Make Jamie Oliver Kimchi Coleslaw
- Shred the Vegetables:
Start by finely slicing the cabbage, leek, and carrot. The finer the shred, the better the texture and flavor absorption. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the gochugaru, grated garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is evenly mixed. - Toss and Taste:
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more gochugaru for heat, or sugar to balance the acidity. - Serve or Store:
You can serve it straight away for a crisp, fresh slaw or let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld. It also keeps well for up to a week.

Why I Love This Recipe
This kimchi-style slaw is bold, spicy, and packed with umami. It adds a punch of flavor to anything it touches—tacos, rice bowls, grilled meats, or just scooped up with a fork. It’s the kind of quick, fridge-friendly side that elevates every meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Tips
- Shred finely for better flavor absorption and texture.
- Adjust spice to taste—gochugaru can vary in heat level.
- Let it marinate—a few hours in the fridge deepens the flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger—these bring the zing that makes this slaw stand out.
- Add extras—try a splash of soy sauce or some sliced scallions for a twist.
What To Serve With Jamie Oliver Kimchi Coleslaw
- Lamb burgers or chickpea burgers for a spicy sidekick
- Fish or chicken tacos—perfect contrast to rich fillings
- Turkey curry or veal marsala—brightens up hearty mains
- Chicken and chorizo stew or seafood paella—balances out the richness
- Grilled tofu or BBQ skewers—an ideal plant-based pairing
How To Store Jamie Oliver Kimchi Coleslaw
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- In the Freezer: Technically possible, but not ideal. The cabbage will lose its crunch and become watery once thawed. Freeze only if using in a cooked dish later.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why is my kimchi coleslaw watery?
Cabbage naturally releases water as it sits. Either serve immediately or drain off any excess liquid before serving. - How can I reduce the vinegar bite?
Add a bit more sugar or a grated apple to mellow out sharp vinegar notes. - What if it tastes bland?
Use high-quality gochugaru and fresh garlic and ginger. These ingredients make a big difference. - How do I reduce bitterness?
Try adding shredded apple or pear for a natural sweetness that balances any bitterness in the cabbage or leek. - Can I make this vegan?
It already is! Just ensure any added ingredients like sauces are vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120
- Calories from Fat 63
- Total Fat 7g
- Saturated fat 1g
- Cholesterol 10mg
- Sodium 990mg
- Carbohydrates 10g
- Net carbs 8g
- Fiber 2g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 2g
Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver Apricot Stuffing
- Jamie Oliver Puff Pastry Vegetable Tomato Tart
- Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
Jamie Oliver Kimchi Coleslaw
Course: Salads, Side Dishes4
servings10
minutes120
kcalThis punchy kimchi-style coleslaw brings bold flavor and crisp texture. It’s spicy, zingy, and super refreshing—perfect as a vibrant side or a funky topping for tacos and burgers
Ingredients
600g cabbage
200g leek
100g carrot
2 tbsp gochugaru
1 tsp grated garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp distilled vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1–2 tsp salt
½–1 tbsp sugar
Directions
- Shred cabbage, leek, and carrot finely.
- In a bowl, mix gochugaru, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and sugar.
- Toss dressing with vegetables until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week.