Japanese Slaw – Chargrill Charlie’s Copycat Recipe
Introduction
This Japanese Slaw inspired by Chargrill Charlie’s is a vibrant and refreshing salad packed with crunchy cabbage, sweet carrot, and savory edamame. The creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of wasabi brings it all together, making it an excellent side or light meal.

Ingredients
- 5 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/2 medium head)
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/4 small head)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely shredded (julienne style)
- 2 green onion stems, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1 cup edamame, cooked according to packet directions
- 2/3 cup Japanese seaweed salad, pre-dressed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or substitute cider vinegar)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (any type) or 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons wasabi paste (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the dressing by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, Kewpie mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, sugar, and wasabi paste in a jar. Shake well until the mayonnaise is fully emulsified. Taste and add more sugar if desired.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, green onion, half the edamame, and half the seaweed salad.
- Step 3: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. The seaweed salad will mostly remain in clumps.
- Step 4: Let the slaw sit for 15 minutes to allow the cabbage to wilt slightly.
- Step 5: Toss the salad again, then transfer it to a serving platter or bowl. Arrange the remaining seaweed salad and edamame on top in clumps, and drizzle with the remaining dressing before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute cider vinegar for rice vinegar if needed, but rice vinegar keeps the authentic flavor.
- Adjust the wasabi paste to your desired spice level, or omit it for a milder taste.
- Use frozen edamame for convenience; just be sure to cook and drain well.
- Try adding toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and aroma.
Storage
Store the Japanese slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. To maintain crispness, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Kewpie mayonnaise?
You can use regular mayonnaise, but Kewpie offers a slightly richer and tangier flavor that enhances the dressing. If unavailable, regular mayo will still work well.
PrintJapanese Slaw – Chargrill Charlie’s Copycat Recipe
This vibrant Japanese Slaw is a fresh, crunchy salad inspired by Chargrill Charlie’s famous recipe. Loaded with finely shredded green and red cabbage, crisp carrot, green onion, edamame, and pre-dressed Japanese seaweed salad, it’s tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, Kewpie mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, and a touch of wasabi for an optional spicy kick. Perfect as a light side or refreshing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for edamame preparation)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Salad
- 5 cups (tightly packed) green cabbage, finely shredded (~1/2 medium head)
- 2 cups (tightly packed) red cabbage, finely shredded (~1/4 small head)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely shredded (julienne shredder or box grater)
- 2 green onion stems, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1 cup edamame, cooked according to packet directions
- 2/3 cup Japanese seaweed salad, pre-dressed
Dressing
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute cider vinegar if unavailable)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (any type) or 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp wasabi paste (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, Kewpie mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, sugar (or honey), and wasabi paste in a jar. Shake vigorously until the mayonnaise is fully emulsified and the dressing is smooth. Taste and add more sugar if desired to balance flavors.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, place the finely shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced green onions, half of the cooked edamame, and half of the pre-dressed Japanese seaweed salad. These ingredients form the core of the slaw and will absorb the dressing.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour about three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats the vegetables evenly. Note that the seaweed salad will mostly remain in small clumps.
- Wilt the Salad: Let the tossed salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall texture.
- Serve: Give the slaw another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Arrange the remaining seaweed salad in clumps on top along with the rest of the edamame. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the top for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, tangy crunch.
Notes
- Note 1: Finely shredding the cabbage ensures a tender texture and better dressing absorption.
- Note 2: Using a julienne shredder or box grater on the carrot gives a delicate, crisp texture that complements the cabbage well.
- Note 3: Cook edamame according to package instructions before adding to the salad; typically boiling or steaming until tender.
- Note 4: Pre-dressed Japanese seaweed salad adds umami and texture; available in Asian grocery stores.
- Note 5: Kewpie mayonnaise is a Japanese mayo known for its creamy texture and slight sweetness; substitute regular mayo if needed but flavor will differ slightly.
- Note 6: Wasabi paste is optional; start with less and adjust to your heat preference for a subtle spicy kick.
Keywords: Japanese slaw, Chargrill Charlie’s copycat, cabbage salad, edamame salad, seaweed salad, Kewpie mayonnaise dressing, Asian slaw, no-cook salad

