Nothing beats a juicy burger with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. It’s like they were made for each other. The acidity in the coleslaw beautifully complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken. Coleslaw adds the perfect crunch to balance the tenderness of the pork.
Have you ever wondered what makes Primanti Brothers’ coleslaw so uniquely delicious? If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into one of their legendary sandwiches, you already know it’s that magical coleslaw that ties it all together. Today, I’m sharing a copycat recipe that captures the essence of their coleslaw – without needing a ticket to Pittsburgh!
Why Does This Recipe Work?
Balanced Flavor Profile
The combination of apple cider vinegar and sugar creates a sweet and tangy base that makes your taste buds dance. This isn’t your average coleslaw; this is a flavor explosion.
Texture Harmony
Using finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced onions results in a delightful crunch with every bite. It’s not mushy like some coleslaws can be.
No Mayonnaise
This dressing uses sunflower oil, which gives it a light, refreshing taste. It’s perfect for those seeking a dairy-free or lighter option without compromising on flavor.
Minimal Ingredients
With only a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up. No fancy or hard-to-find items here. Just straightforward, tasty goodness.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a bite that’s refreshing, tangy, and a little sweet, perfectly balanced with a satisfying crunch. The vinegar provides a sharpness that awakens your senses, while the sugar adds just enough sweetness to mellow it out.
The sunflower oil ties everything together with a light, smooth finish. It’s the ideal coleslaw to add that needed zip to your meal.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Primanti Brothers Coleslaw Copycat Variations?
Several copycat recipes are floating around, but what makes this one stand out is its simplicity and authenticity. We avoid using olive oil to ensure the flavor isn’t overpowering. The addition of both celery seeds and mustard seeds brings out more complexity and makes each bite uniquely flavorful.
The Ingredients
- Finely shredded 1 medium green cabbage
- Grated 1 large carrot
- Thinly sliced 1 red onion
- 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons sunflower oil (avoid olive oil for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Start by finely shredding the green cabbage. Use a food processor if you like to save time. Next, grate the carrot using a box grater, and slice the red onion thinly. Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, sunflower oil, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies. Toss everything thoroughly until the cabbage, carrot, and onions are well-coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Feel free to let it sit overnight if you want an even richer taste.
Notes
Here are some tips to ensure you get it right every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and carrots make all the difference.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and sugar amounts to suit your taste preference.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the coleslaw to chill for several hours enhances the flavors.
- Serve Cold: This coleslaw tastes best when served cold.
- Mix Well: Thoroughly mixing the coleslaw ensures even flavor distribution.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store This Primanti Brothers Coleslaw?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3 to 5 days. It’s actually one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
Sides For Primanti Brothers Coleslaw
Grilled Corn on the Cob
The sweetness of grilled corn complements the tangy coleslaw perfectly. Plus, it adds a summery touch to your meal.
Baked Beans
The rich, savory flavor of baked beans pairs well with the crisp, refreshing coleslaw. It’s a classic combination worth trying.
Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, potato wedges add that comfort food feel when paired with this coleslaw. They provide a nice balance of textures.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
White Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar is a good substitute. It offers a similar tang but may be slightly sharper.
Olive Oil Substitute for Sunflower Oil
In case you’re out of sunflower oil, you can use canola oil or vegetable oil. These oils won’t overpower the flavor like olive oil sometimes can.
Brown Sugar Instead of Granulated Sugar
If you prefer a deeper sweetness, brown sugar is an excellent alternative to granulated sugar. It adds a molasses-like flavor.
Yellow Onion for Red Onion
If you don’t have red onion, yellow onion can be used. It offers a milder, sweeter flavor once combined with the dressing.
Primanti brothers coleslaw copycat recipe
Equipment
- Food processor
- Box grater
Ingredients
- Finely shredded 1 medium green cabbage
- Grated 1 large carrot
- Thinly sliced 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons sunflower oil avoid olive oil for a milder flavor
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
- Start by finely shredding the green cabbage. Use a food processor if you like to save time. Next, grate the carrot using a box grater, and slice the red onion thinly. Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, sunflower oil, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies. Toss everything thoroughly until the cabbage, carrot, and onions are well-coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Feel free to let it sit overnight if you want an even richer taste.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and carrots make all the difference.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and sugar amounts to suit your taste preference.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the coleslaw to chill for several hours enhances the flavors.
- Serve Cold: This coleslaw tastes best when served cold.
- Mix Well: Thoroughly mixing the coleslaw ensures even flavor distribution.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Absolutely! This coleslaw is already vegan. Just make sure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly if that’s a concern for you.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time. However, the texture might vary slightly due to the handling during packaging.
3. How can I make this coleslaw spicier?
To add a spicy kick, consider incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
4. What if my dressing is too tangy?
If your dressing turns out too tangy, balance it out by adding a bit more sugar. Add it gradually until you reach your desired flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it – a recipe that brings Primanti Brothers’ legendary coleslaw right into your kitchen. Whether it’s paired with burgers, grilled chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches, this coleslaw is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with its minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip this up in no time.
Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how this recipe worked out for you. Happy cooking!