There’s nothing quite like the tangy crunch of Long John Silver’s coleslaw to complement their crispy seafood. I’ve always loved indulging in this creamy, flavorful side, and I’ve decided to bring that delicious taste into my own kitchen.
Recreating this classic coleslaw copycat recipe was a fun challenge. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve the same rich texture and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with fried fish. Whether you’re a Long John Silver’s fan or simply craving a tasty homemade side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Imagine savoring the refreshing coleslaw that makes your seafood feast complete, all made with ingredients you trust. I’ll guide you through easy steps to whip up this delightful side dish, perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and julienned
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
Tools and Equipment
Recreating Long John Silver’s famous coleslaw is a delightful process, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials I use in my kitchen:
Cutting Board
- A spacious, sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and shredding vegetables.
Chef’s Knife
- A sharp chef’s knife ensures precise slicing of cabbage, carrots, red onion, and green bell pepper.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Accurate measurements are key for balancing the dressing ingredients perfectly.
Mixing Bowls
- I use a large mixing bowl to combine the shredded vegetables and a separate bowl for preparing the dressing.
Whisk
- A whisk helps blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring a creamy and lump-free consistency.
Grater or Food Processor
- For finely shredding carrots, a box grater or food processor speeds up the prep time and achieves uniform texture.
Storage Container
- An airtight container keeps the coleslaw fresh in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be served.
- Removing excess moisture from the shredded cabbage with a salad spinner prevents the coleslaw from becoming soggy.
Having these tools on hand not only makes the preparation more efficient but also enhances the overall quality of the coleslaw. With everything ready, crafting that tangy and creamy masterpiece becomes a breeze.
Instructions
I’m thrilled to guide you through recreating Long John Silver’s beloved coleslaw. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred the Cabbage
- Finely shred 4 cups of green cabbage using a sharp chef’s knife or a food processor. Ensure the pieces are uniform for consistent texture.
- Grate the Carrots
- Peel and grate 2 medium carrots until you have 1 cup. This adds a sweet crunch to the coleslaw.
- Slice the Red Onion
- Thinly slice half a red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Julienne the Green Bell Pepper
- Slice 1 green bell pepper into thin julienne strips. This provides a fresh, crisp element to the mix.
- Combine the Vegetables
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red onion, and julienned green bell pepper. Toss them together to ensure even distribution.
Make the Dressing
- Prepare the Base
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add the Tang
- Slowly mix in 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, stirring constantly to incorporate well.
- Sweeten It Up
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture. Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Season the Dressing
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of celery seed. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
Combine and Chill
- Mix the Dressing with Vegetables
- Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, thoroughly toss the coleslaw to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Adjust the Flavor
- Taste the coleslaw and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste.
- Chill the Coleslaw
- Transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve Fresh
- Give the coleslaw a final toss before serving. It pairs perfectly with fried seafood, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side to your favorite meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef passionate about streamlining kitchen workflows, I love preparing components ahead of time to make the final assembly seamless. Here’s how you can make Long John Silver’s coleslaw ahead of your meal:
Prepping the Vegetables
- Shred the Cabbage
- Use a sharp knife or a food processor to finely shred 4 cups of green cabbage.
- Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to soften, then drain any excess moisture.
- Grate the Carrots
- Grate 1 cup of fresh carrots and add them to the cabbage.
- Slice the Red Onion and Bell Pepper
- Thinly slice 1/2 cup of red onion.
- Julienne 1/2 cup of green bell pepper.
- Store the Vegetables
- Combine all prepared vegetables in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Preparing the Dressing
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Store the Dressing
- Transfer the dressing to a jar with a tight lid.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days to let the flavors develop.
Assembling the Coleslaw
- Combine and Toss
- When ready to serve, take the prepped vegetables out of the refrigerator.
- Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate the tossed coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Storage Tips
| Component | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Shredded Vegetables | Up to 24 hours |
| Dressing | Up to 3 days |
| Assembled Coleslaw | Up to 2 days |
By preparing the vegetables and dressing in advance, you save time on the day of your meal and ensure that your coleslaw has maximum flavor. This make-ahead approach is perfect for gatherings, allowing you to focus on other dishes while your coleslaw is ready to impress.
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing my homemade Long John Silver’s coleslaw with a variety of dishes to elevate any meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this creamy and tangy side:
Classic Fried Seafood
Serve the coleslaw alongside crispy fried shrimp, fish, or calamari. The cool, crunchy texture of the coleslaw balances the rich, savory flavors of the fried seafood perfectly.
Sandwiches and Burgers
Top your favorite sandwiches or burgers with a generous helping of coleslaw. It adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor that complements grilled meats and savory toppings.
Barbecue Feast
Include the coleslaw in your next barbecue spread. Whether it’s ribs, chicken, or pulled pork, this coleslaw enhances the smoky and sweet notes of grilled dishes.
Tacos and Wraps
Add a scoop of coleslaw to tacos or wraps for an extra layer of texture and taste. It works wonderfully with both seafood and meat fillings, providing a vibrant contrast to spicy sauces.
Picnics and Buffets
Pack the coleslaw in individual containers for easy serving at picnics, potlucks, or buffets. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Light Appetizer
Use the coleslaw as a light appetizer by serving it in small portions with your favorite dipping sauces. It’s a great way to start a meal with something crunchy and flavorful.
Grilled Vegetables
Enhance your grilled vegetable platter by adding a side of coleslaw. The tangy dressing complements the charred flavors of grilled veggies, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
By incorporating these serving ideas, you can enjoy Long John Silver’s coleslaw copycat recipe in versatile and delicious ways that suit any occasion.
Conclusion
Making Long John Silver’s coleslaw at home has been such a rewarding experience. Every crunchy bite brings back those great memories of enjoying it with fried seafood. I love how easy it is to prepare and how it perfectly complements any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a tasty side dish, this coleslaw never disappoints. Plus having the make-ahead steps makes everything so much simpler. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
