Scallion Oil Noodles Recipe

If you are a fan of simple yet deeply satisfying dishes, you are going to fall in love with Scallion Oil Noodles. This classic Shanghainese comfort food delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors: the bouncy wheat noodles eagerly soak up a fragrant, shiny brown scallion oil sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. What makes these noodles truly magical is how quickly they come together with just a few humble ingredients, but result in a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving a fuss-free dinner or want to impress friends with an authentic Asian-inspired recipe, these scallion oil noodles are your answer to speedy, addictive, and utterly delightful meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Scallion Oil Noodles lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a super important role, creating a delicate balance of aroma, texture, and taste that elevates an everyday bowl of noodles to something extraordinary.

• Green onion (1 bunch): The star ingredient that infuses the oil with its signature fresh and slightly pungent flavor.
• Neutral oil, like avocado oil (½ cup): A light oil is perfect for extracting the essence of the green onions and keeping the noodles silky, without overpowering the dish.
• Premium soy sauce (6 tablespoons): Offers the perfect depth of savory umami without being too salty or bitter.
• Dark soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and that irresistible glossy, brown tint to the sauce.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the saltiness of the soy sauces with a gentle sweetness that makes the sauce addictive.
• Thin wheat noodles (1 pound): The ideal texture to hold the luscious scallion oil sauce; fresh or dry thin round noodles work best, but in a pinch, linguini or spaghetti can substitute.

How to Make Scallion Oil Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the green onions

Start by carefully cutting your green onions. Slice the green parts into 2-inch pieces, and thinly strip the white parts after splitting them lengthwise. It’s essential that the green onions are completely dry before frying — this prevents the oil from bubbling violently and ensures a smooth, even cook.

Step 2: Make the scallion oil

First, combine your premium and dark soy sauces with sugar in a small bowl and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Then gently heat your neutral oil in a saucepan until it reaches around 235°F (about 113°C). You can test the temperature by dipping a wooden chopstick or spoon into the oil—small bubbles steadily rising means it’s ready. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add your green onions, stirring gently. Let them fry slowly until they turn golden brown, about five minutes, allowing the oil to soak up their aromatic flavors. Remove the green onions with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to stay crispy.

Step 3: Finish the sauce

Pour the soy sauce mixture into the hot scallion-infused oil and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, then remove from heat. This sauce is where all of the magic happens—fragrant, balanced, and glossy enough to make noodles shine.

Step 4: Cook the noodles

Boil a large pot of water and cook your thin wheat noodles until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. For best results, skip rinsing to keep the noodles slightly sticky, helping the scallion oil sauce coat every strand beautifully, giving the dish a slightly creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble your Scallion Oil Noodles

Plate your noodles and immediately top each portion with about 2 tablespoons of the luscious scallion oil sauce—remember to stir the sauce before serving to distribute the oil and soy base evenly. Sprinkle the crispy fried scallions from earlier right on top, then toss everything together so each bite carries that signature, addictive flavor. Serve while hot and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Scallion Oil Noodles

Garnishes

While the crispy fried scallions add a wonderful crunch and enhanced onion flavor, you can take your presentation up a notch by adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, a drizzle of chili oil for heat, or even some thinly sliced fresh chili if you like a kick. A light dusting of chopped cilantro or a few drops of freshly cracked black pepper also add an appealing freshness and warmth that brighten the dish.

Side Dishes

Scallion Oil Noodles make an excellent centerpiece for your meal, but pairing them with classic sides amps up the experience. Shanghai style wonton soup is a perfect companion, bringing soothing broth and soft dumplings to contrast with the rich noodles. A smashed cucumber salad adds refreshing crunch and tang, a nice foil to the luscious sauce. For something heartier, top the noodles with slices of char siu pork or char siu chicken, adding savory depth and beautiful meatiness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Instead of serving the noodles in a bowl, try plating them on a wide rimmed dish for a restaurant-style presentation. Layer the crispy scallions artistically on top and spoon a little extra sauce over the noodles to make them glisten. Alternatively, toss the noodles with stir-fried vegetables and protein like shrimp or tofu to transform the dish into a robust, colorful stir-fry. You can even roll up the noodles in lettuce cups for a fun hand-held snack that keeps all that fragrant sauce contained.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), store the cooled noodles and scallion oil sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the noodles from soaking too much sauce and becoming mushy. Leftovers will keep fresh for about 2 to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick meal later in the week.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of the wheat noodles and the scallion oil sauce, freezing isn’t the best option as it can alter the textures and flavors. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or freshly reheated within a few days of making it.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the scallion oil sauce in a small pan over low heat, then add your noodles and toss until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly as the noodles might become dry or unevenly heated. If the noodles feel a little stuck together, splash in a teaspoon of hot water to loosen before tossing with the sauce again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for Scallion Oil Noodles?

Yes! While thin wheat noodles are traditional and ideal for their texture, you can substitute with linguini, spaghetti, udon, or even instant ramen in a pinch. Keep in mind that different noodles will vary in taste and texture but the sauce will still be delicious.

What oil is best for making scallion oil?

Neutral oils like avocado, vegetable, or canola oil work best because they don’t overpower the delicate scallion flavor. Some people also use peanut oil for a slightly nutty twist.

Is it necessary to dry the green onions before frying?

Absolutely! Drying the green onions helps prevent the oil from splattering and ensures that the onions crisp up nicely without steaming, which preserves that wonderful fried flavor and texture.

Can I make the scallion oil sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just gently reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked noodles for the best flavor.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Adding chili oil either while cooking the scallion oil or as a topping when serving can bring some heat. You can also sprinkle in dried chili flakes or add fresh sliced chilies for a more vibrant spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

Scallion Oil Noodles are one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. They come together swiftly but leave a lasting impression with their irresistible aroma and deeply satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress someone with an authentic taste of Shanghai, give this recipe a try. I promise, once you experience the simple joy of perfectly coated noodles with fragrant scallion oil, these noodles will become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.