I usually double the recipe because we love it so much!
- Carbohydrate 136.93523 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 300.373591 g
- Fiber 15.9861401679516 g
- Protein 36.965187 g
- Saturated Fat 31.4036898 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1345g)
- Sodium 1990.2701 mg
- Sugar 120.949089832048 g
- Trans Fat 14.4468973 g
- Calories 3322 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix coleslaw and crunched up noodles in a large pot or bowl, add sunflower seeds, almonds, onion.
- Mix dressing (sugar, oil, vinegar and chicken packets) in separate bowl and pour over the noodle/coleslaw and mix together thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight.
Swapping white granulated sugar for honey alters the dressing emulsion completely. Honey introduces extra moisture and requires vigorous whisking with oil and vinegar to prevent immediate separation. Shredded cabbage contains dense cellular walls that resist rapid liquid absorption. Prolonged resting periods allow vinegar to break down those tough fibers while the oil coats the surface to maintain crunch.
Make-Ahead Mechanics
Refrigeration overnight transforms the texture of this salad. Uncooked ramen noodles soften gradually as they absorb free moisture from the vinegar and oil mixture. Store the dressed mixture in an airtight glass container for up to 48 hours without losing structural integrity. Freezing this dish ruins the cabbage cells entirely upon thawing, resulting in limp leaves and separated fat.Flavor Development
Acidity counteracts the heavy fat content from the oil, nuts, and seeds. Sugar balances the sharp pH of the vinegar. Salt and MSG contained inside the ramen seasoning packets enhance free amino acids in the cabbage and green onions. Combine the dry components in a vessel with a minimum capacity of four quarts to ensure adequate room for tossing without spilling.
