What exactly is pepper sauce and where can I find it?

Pepper sauce is typically made of small hot peppers preserved in vinegar. You can find it in most grocery stores near the hot sauces or in the condiment aisle. Brands like Trappey's, Texas Pete, or Crystal make good versions. If you can't find it, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce.

Can I make this coleslaw without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! For a mayo-free version, substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative, or use a vinaigrette-style dressing with olive oil and additional vinegar or lemon juice. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.

My coleslaw is too watery. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the vegetables release too much moisture. Make sure to seed your tomatoes well, and if using homemade shredded cabbage instead of packaged mix, you might want to salt it and let it drain for 30 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

How spicy is this coleslaw?

With just 1 tablespoon of pepper sauce, it has a mild, pleasant tang rather than actual heat. At 3 tablespoons, you'll definitely notice some warmth. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust it to your preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.

Aunt Mary's Pepper Sauce Coleslaw Recipe

Description

A tangy and flavorful coleslaw recipe featuring a kick of vinegar-based pepper sauce, combined with crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, perfect for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Coleslaw Mix

- 2 (16-ounce) packages tri-color shredded coleslaw mix
- 1/2 sweet onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, seeded and finely diced

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise (preferred brand: Duke’s)
1 to 3 tablespoons mild vinegar-based pepper sauce (like Trappey’s, also called peppers in vinegar)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the coleslaw mix, onion, and tomato together to ensure an even distribution.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and the pepper sauce together until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of the pepper sauce and adjust based on your taste preference or the heat level of the sauce. Add the salt and black pepper, mixing well to combine.
Mix the dressing with the vegetables: Add the prepared dressing to the vegetables in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are well-coated. The mixture may appear slightly dry at this point.
Let it rest: Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors develop and allows juices from the cabbage to combine with the dressing, creating a more cohesive texture.
Final adjustments and serve: Before serving, stir the coleslaw again. Adjust the seasoning or add extra pepper sauce or mayonnaise, if needed, to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.

Notes

Be sure to check the blog post for detailed information about choosing the right pepper sauce.
Adjust the amount of pepper sauce depending on your heat tolerance and flavor preference.
Resting time is key for the best flavor development, so don’t skip it.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving