KFC’s coleslaw is famous for its creamy texture and perfect balance of flavors.
Recreating this classic side dish at home is easier than you might think.
This detailed guide will walk you through making your own KFC-style coleslaw, complete with tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the coleslaw, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, finely shredded
– 1/4 cup of carrot, finely shredded
– 2 tablespoons of onion, finely minced
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start making the coleslaw, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients.
This will make the assembly process smoother and ensure you get the best results.
1. Shred the Cabbage and Carrot
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into quarters.
Remove the core and finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor.
Peel and finely shred the carrot. You can use a grater or a food processor for this step.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
2. Mince the Onion
Finely mince the onion.
You want the pieces to be very small so they blend seamlessly into the coleslaw.
Making the Dressing
The dressing is what gives KFC coleslaw its signature flavor.
It’s a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet mixture that’s easy to whip up.
1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all the sugar has dissolved.
2. Taste & Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your preference.
Assembling the Coleslaw
Now that you have your shredded vegetables and prepared dressing, it’s time to assemble the coleslaw.
1. Mix the Vegetables and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot mixture, then add the minced onion.
Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the coleslaw.
2. Chill the Coleslaw
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to reach its ideal texture.
Tips for the Best KFC Coleslaw
1. Finely Shred the Vegetables
The key to replicating KFC coleslaw is to finely shred the cabbage and carrot.
This gives the coleslaw its signature texture.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh cabbage and carrots will give you the best flavor and texture.
3. Chill for Optimal Flavor
Allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) enhances the flavor and texture.
The dressing will soak into the vegetables, making the coleslaw creamy and flavorful.
4. Balance the Flavors
Adjust the dressing to your taste.
If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar.
For a sweeter coleslaw, increase the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
KFC coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Here are some ideas:
1. Fried Chicken
Naturally, this coleslaw is a perfect match for fried chicken.
The creamy, tangy flavors complement the crispy, savory chicken beautifully.
2. Barbecue
Serve the coleslaw alongside barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
The cool, creamy coleslaw balances the smoky, rich flavors of barbecue.
3. Sandwiches and Burgers
Use the coleslaw as a topping for sandwiches and burgers, and it adds a refreshing crunch and creamy flavor.
4. Picnics and Potlucks
This coleslaw is a great addition to any picnic or potluck spread.
It’s easy to make in large batches and holds up well, even after sitting out for a while.
Nutritional Information
While coleslaw is generally a healthy side dish, the creamy dressing can add some calories.
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings from the recipe):
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 1g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 11g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 9g
Storing and Reheating
Coleslaw stores well and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient side dish for busy days.
1. Storing
Transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Stir the coleslaw before serving to redistribute the dressing.
2. Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze coleslaw, as the dressing can separate and the vegetables can become watery when thawed.
3. Reheating
Coleslaw is best served cold.
If you need to bring it to room temperature quickly, you can let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
KFC’s coleslaw is a beloved classic for a reason.
Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, combined with the finely shredded cabbage and carrot, makes it a perfect side dish for a variety of meals.
By following this detailed guide, you can recreate this famous coleslaw at home with ease.
Remember to finely shred the vegetables, allow the coleslaw to chill before serving, and adjust the dressing to your taste.
