Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe

If you are craving a dish that excites every sense with its vibrant textures and irresistible flavors, then this Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of crispy, crunchy, and fresh components that come together in a beautiful bowl of goodness. The crispy fish fillets add a satisfyingly golden crunch, while the toasted ramen noodles and almonds bring loads of nutty texture to the vibrant shredded cabbage salad. Dressed with a zingy, sweet-savory dressing, this salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration for your taste buds and a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes an element that enhances the texture, flavor, and color, making the dish feel fresh, vibrant, and satisfying from the very first bite.

• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the sweetness in the dressing.
• Olive oil: Brings richness and smoothness to the dressing, helping to tie everything together.
• White sugar: Sweetens the dressing, creating a perfect balance with the vinegar and soy sauce.
• Soy sauce: Infuses the dressing with deep umami notes and a salty punch.
• Minced ginger (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and fresh zing to the dressing.
• Butter: Essential for toasting the ramen noodles and almonds to golden perfection.
• Ramen noodles (broken into small pieces): The secret crunchy element that transforms this salad.
• Sliced almonds: Adds extra crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Bring a toasty, aromatic note to the crunchy topping.
• Gorton’s Crunchy Breaded Fish Fillets: Crispy fish fillets add heartiness and a delicious golden crust.
• Napa cabbage (shredded): The crisp, mild base of the salad.
• Cilantro (chopped): Brings fresh herbaceous brightness.
• Green onions (chopped): Provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
• Jalapenos (seeded and sliced): Offer a gentle heat without overpowering the salad.
• Cucumber (sliced): Adds coolness and crunch for balance.
• Frozen peas (thawed): Sweet little bursts that add color and texture.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, get those frozen peas out so they have time to thaw — it will help them blend perfectly with the fresh veggies later on.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Dressing

In a small pot over high heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook for about 30 seconds to dissolve the sugar completely. Stir in the minced ginger if you’re using it, then remove from heat. Pour the dressing into a mason jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge to chill while you move on to the crunchies.

Step 3: Melt the Butter for Toasting

Using the same pot or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This will serve as the toasting base for the ramen noodles and almonds, giving them a buttery, golden edge that’s deliciously irresistible.

Step 4: Break the Ramen Noodles

Here’s a handy tip: break the ramen noodle blocks into small, bite-sized chunks before opening the packages. You don’t want powder or tiny crumbs — chunky bits are perfect to achieve that satisfying crunch in your salad.

Step 5: Combine and Toast the Crunchy Topping

Throw the broken ramen pieces, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds into the melted butter. Stir well to coat each piece. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake for 5 minutes, then open the oven and stir the mixture carefully. Continue baking in 2-to-3-minute intervals, stirring each time until the noodles and almonds turn light brown and toasty. Keep a close eye on them because they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. This usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes total.

Step 7: Increase Oven Temperature and Bake Fish

Turn the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean off your baking sheet first to remove any leftover crumbs and spread the frozen fish fillets in a single layer. Follow package instructions, baking for 12 minutes on one side before flipping and cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes until crisp and flaky.

Step 8: Prep the Fresh Salad Base

While the fish bakes, shred the Napa cabbage finely, and chop cilantro, green onions, jalapenos, and cucumber. Toss all these vibrant fresh veggies along with your thawed peas into a large salad bowl, creating a beautiful medley of colors and textures.

Step 9: Assemble the Salad

If you plan to serve the salad immediately, toss in the toasted ramen-almond mixture along with the dressing. Mix well, but don’t feel pressured to use all the dressing — a gentle coating is enough to bring all the flavors together.

Step 10: Serve with Crispy Fish

Dish out the salad on plates, topping each serving with one or two crispy fish fillets. This layering of textures — crunchy salad, buttery toasted noodles, and crispy fish — makes every forkful pure joy.

Step 11: Handle Leftovers with Care

If you expect any leftovers, keep the toasted ramen mixture separate and let guests add their own toasts and dressing when ready to eat. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and preserves their delightful crunch.

Step 12: Storage Tips

Store leftover crunchy ramen in an airtight container on the counter for maximum crispness. Keep the dressing and any leftover salad refrigerated for freshness.

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra touch, sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions right before serving. Fresh lime wedges also work wonders to brighten the dish with a splash of citrus zestiness.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal itself, but if you want to pair it, consider light and simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or an edamame appetizer to complement the Asian-inspired flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars or layered in pretty bowls so your guests can admire all the colors and textures before diving in. Alternatively, offer build-your-own salad bowls with the crunchy toppings and dressing on the side, making it interactive and customizing-friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad (without crunchy ramen) and dressing should be stored separately in the fridge to keep everything fresh. Keep the toasted ramen and almonds in a sealed container at room temperature; this maintains their crisp texture.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh and crunchy ingredients. The fish fillets can be frozen before cooking, but once assembled, it’s best enjoyed fresh to retain the crunch and freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fish fillets in an oven or air fryer to bring back their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy. The salad should be served cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully and speeds up your prep time on the day you make the salad.

What if I don’t have Gorton’s Crunchy Breaded Fish Fillets?

You can substitute with any crispy breaded white fish fillets you like or even homemade baked fish strips. Just ensure they are crispy to complement the salad’s texture.

Is it okay to use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant ramen?

This recipe specifically calls for instant ramen noodles because they are perfect for breaking into crunchy pieces and toasting. Fresh ramen wouldn’t have the same crispy texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the fish fillets and consider adding tofu cubes that have been breaded and baked until crispy, or even crispy tempeh for a satisfying protein boost.

How spicy is this salad? Can I adjust the heat?

The heat comes from jalapenos, which you can easily adjust to your taste by reducing or eliminating them. You can always add chili flakes or Sriracha on the side if you like it spicier.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad with Crispy Fish Fillets and Toasted Ramen Noodles Recipe is truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with textures that make each bite exciting. I can’t recommend it enough when you want to brighten your meal routine with something special, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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