Side Dishes! One could argue they are as important as the main course of succulent smoked meat (that’s the only thing you serve, right!?!?) This little guy right here is super easy! It’s an oil-based slaw (opposed to a creamy slaw) with… you guessed it, Lime Juice and Jalapeños, we also throw in some Cilantro and Onions for good measure! It’s the perfect compliment to a good Smokey Pulled Pork!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Fridge Time: 1 Hour
Total Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes

Keep reading for the delicious details on this versatile side!

Here’s how to whip this up and make your friends smile!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1 (16-ounce) package cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw
4 jalapeño peppers, sliced crosswise

Directions:

First, cut up your veggies. I like to keep everything very thin. The allows you to get all the ingredients in one bite, without getting an overwhelming amount of one thing. It makes for a better experience (and that’s what we are ultimately going for it.)

NOTE – Pepper Heat: Some folks think that the a pepper’s heat is held mostly the seeds. While the seeds hold a small amount of wonderfully painful capsaicin (cap-SAY-sin), the majority of the heat is in the “placenta” or white membrane that holds the seeds (I’ve also heard this called the “ribs” of the pepper).

Now you have a choice to make: To core or not to core?
If you like it spicy, leave the pepper as is and slice. You can then take the slices and rinse them to remove a lot of the seeds (I don’t like the texture of the seeds). This will keep the heat in tact. If you like your food milder, core the jalapeños first, then slice ’em.

Then combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add olive oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add onion, cilantro, jalapeño and coleslaw. Toss everything together to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

This goes perfectly with any pork dish, and quite frankly any sort of sandwich as a topping or as a side to any beef or pork meal… A very versatile side dish! My favorite way to use it is on some great Pulled Pork sliders.

Let us know what you think in the comments!