Mrs. Chang’s Chinese Cabbage and Crispy Noodle Salad: A Refreshing Twist

Mrs. Chang’s Chinese cabbage and crispy noodle salad is a classic favorite in Australia, especially at BBQs and family gatherings. The recipe is simple, using just a few ingredients—wombok (Chinese cabbage), slivered almonds, shallots, and crispy noodles.

What really makes it stand out is the sweet and tangy dressing, which is absolutely delicious. But sometimes, adding a little extra something can take a dish to the next level.

This salad has always been loved for its freshness and crunch, but I wanted to add a bit more color and flavor to make it even better. Like all recipes, food is constantly evolving, and small tweaks can make a big difference.

I believe that cooking should be about creativity, and sometimes it’s the little changes that make a dish memorable.

Why Make Changes to the Classic?

Recipes often start with a simple idea, and over time, new ingredients or techniques are added to enhance the flavors. Take, for example, the Italian cuisine’s introduction of tomatoes, which came from South America in the 16th century.

They could have chosen not to add it to their dishes, but instead, they embraced the new ingredient, and it became a staple. Just like that, I decided to give Mrs. Chang’s salad a fresh twist, adding some new elements without losing its essence.

Adding Freshness and Color

To brighten up the traditional salad, I added finely shredded carrots, which give a beautiful orange color and a slight sweetness.

I also added a generous handful of fresh coriander, which brings an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

I made a few changes to the dressing as well, giving it more punch by including freshly grated ginger, a squeeze of lime juice, and the smooth sweetness of honey. These little adjustments give the dressing a vibrant, balanced taste.

I also decided to leave out the shallots, as they can sometimes have an overpowering, acrid flavor, which doesn’t sit well with my taste. You can keep them if you like, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder salad.

How to Make the Salad

This salad is all about timing. The key to its crunchiness is to add the noodles and almonds right before serving. Otherwise, they’ll lose their crispy texture.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, just keep the noodles and almonds separate until the moment you’re ready to serve. That way, everything will stay crunchy and fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted in the oven until lightly golden
• 1/2 Chinese cabbage (wombok), finely shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely shredded
• 1 large bunch coriander, stems and leaves, chopped
• 6 shallots, finely sliced (optional)
• 100 g packet of Chang’s Fried Noodles

Dressing

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) white vinegar
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Lime juice, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the finely shredded wombok, carrots, and chopped coriander. Use your hands to mix everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.
2. Toast the Almonds: Toast the slivered almonds in the oven until lightly golden. This adds a nice crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan, combine all the dressing ingredients—white vinegar, peanut oil, caster sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and lime juice. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves, but don’t let it get too hot. The dressing should be warm, not boiling.
4. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, add the toasted almonds and crispy noodles to the salad base. Pour over the warm dressing and toss everything gently to coat.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately, ideally alongside a juicy steak or your favorite BBQ dish. A glass of something refreshing, like sparkling water or wine, pairs beautifully with this salad.

A Twist on Tradition

In conclusion, while the traditional version of Mrs. Chang’s Chinese cabbage and crispy noodle salad is already delicious, adding fresh ingredients like shredded carrot, coriander, and a punchier dressing makes it even more exciting.

It’s a perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light meal. The sweetness of the dressing, combined with the crunch of the noodles and almonds, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests.

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