Scallion Oil Noodles, an easy Chinese classic 😋

Scallion Oil Noodles, an easy Chinese classic 😋 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by iamneverfull on YouTube.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 22 min

Cost: $1.22 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 Scallions (white and green parts separated, thin ribbons)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (adds depth and color)
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce (provides salty balance)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami; can substitute for vegetarian version)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • 200 grams Fresh Egg Noodles (or any thin wheat noodle)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Scallions

    Separate the white and green parts of the scallions, then slice each part into thin ribbons.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Fry White Scallion Parts

    Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, add the white scallion ribbons, and fry until they turn slightly golden.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Fry Green Scallion Parts

    Add the green scallion ribbons to the same pan and continue frying until they become crispy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cool Scallion Oil

    Transfer the fried scallions and oil to a bowl and let cool for about a minute.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Make Scallion Oil Sauce

    To the cooled oil, add dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix vigorously until fully combined.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cook Noodles

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the fresh noodles, and cook according to package instructions (usually 3‑5 minutes) until al dente. Drain.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Boiling

  7. Assemble the Dish

    Place the cooked noodles in a serving bowl, pour the scallion oil sauce over them, and top with the crispy scallion bits. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian if using mushroom oyster sauce, Contains gluten

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Wheat

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Scallion Oil Noodles, an easy Chinese classic 😋

Recipe by iamneverfull

A quick, budget-friendly Chinese restaurant‑style noodle dish featuring fragrant scallion‑infused oil, a savory soy‑oyster sauce, and al dente noodles. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.22
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fry the white scallion parts until slightly golden without burning.
  • Add the green scallion parts and fry only until crispy.
  • Mix the sauce vigorously to emulsify the oil with soy and oyster sauces.
  • Cook noodles al dente; overcooking will make the dish mushy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep face away and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Boiling water can cause burns – handle pot with oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Scallion Oil Noodles in Chinese cuisine?

A

Scallion oil noodles, known as "Cong You Mian" in Mandarin, are a classic street‑food staple from northern China. They showcase the simplicity of Chinese cooking—just noodles, scallion‑infused oil, and a light soy‑based sauce—making them a comfort food often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick lunch.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Scallion Oil Noodles in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Beijing and Tianjin, the dish is often served with a thicker, darker soy‑oil mixture, while in Shanghai the sauce is lighter and may include Shaoxing wine. Some Sichuan versions add a hint of chili oil for spice, and in coastal regions a splash of fish sauce may replace oyster sauce.

cultural
Q

How is Scallion Oil Noodles traditionally served in China?

A

Traditionally, the noodles are tossed in the hot scallion oil sauce and served in a shallow bowl, topped with the crispy scallion bits. It is usually eaten immediately while warm, sometimes accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a simple broth.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Scallion Oil Noodles traditionally eaten in Chinese culture?

A

Scallion oil noodles are a common everyday dish, but they are also served during Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of longevity because the long noodles represent a long life. They appear at family gatherings where a quick, satisfying noodle dish is needed.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Scallion Oil Noodles versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh scallions, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a neutral high‑smoke‑point oil. Substitutes can be regular soy sauce with a touch of molasses for dark soy, mushroom sauce for oyster sauce, and any neutral oil like canola if grapeseed is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Scallion Oil Noodles?

A

Scallion oil noodles pair nicely with simple Chinese soups such as egg drop soup, steamed dumplings (jiaozi), or a cold cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. They also complement braised meats like red‑cooked pork or soy‑braised chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Scallion Oil Noodles?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the scallion pieces (they become bitter), letting the oil smoke, and cooking the noodles past al dente. Also, failing to whisk the sauce vigorously can cause the oil to separate.

technical
Q

Why does this Scallion Oil Noodles recipe use both dark and light soy sauce instead of just one type?

A

Dark soy sauce adds a deep, caramelized color and a subtle sweetness, while light soy sauce provides the salty, umami backbone. Using both creates a balanced flavor and an appealing glossy appearance.

technical
Q

Can I make Scallion Oil Noodles ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare the scallion oil sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the cooked noodles separate and reheat briefly before tossing with the sauce. Add the crispy scallion bits just before serving to retain crunch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel iamneverfull specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel iamneverfull specializes in recreating popular restaurant dishes at home with a focus on budget‑friendly techniques, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and tips for saving money while still achieving authentic flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel iamneverfull's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

iamneverfull emphasizes cost‑saving shortcuts, such as using pantry staples and simplifying traditional methods, whereas many other Chinese cooking channels focus on authentic techniques that may require specialty ingredients or equipment. This channel makes Chinese dishes accessible to everyday home cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Easy 20-Minute Soy Sauce Chicken Thigh Recipe
9

Easy 20-Minute Soy Sauce Chicken Thigh Recipe

A quick, flavorful Asian‑inspired chicken thigh recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes. The skin is dusted with flour for extra crispness, then glazed with a simple soy‑sesame sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

30 minServes 4$9
Chinese
Cheesy Ramen!
3

Cheesy Ramen!

A quick and indulgent twist on classic instant ramen, this recipe adds butter, American cheese, a soft‑boiled egg, sesame seeds, and fresh scallions for extra richness and flavor. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting meal any time of day.

15 minServes 1$1
Japanese-American Fusion
How to Make Buddha Bowls Vegan Sushi Style With Cauliflower Rice EASY
10

How to Make Buddha Bowls Vegan Sushi Style With Cauliflower Rice EASY

A vibrant, kid‑friendly sushi‑style bowl packed with colorful veggies, cauliflower rice (or jasmine rice), and a splash of soy sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this bowl offers a rainbow of nutrients and can be customized with shrimp, chicken or tofu.

1 hrServes 4$10
Japanese
The Easiest Chili Garlic Noodles Ever (3 Ways)
5

The Easiest Chili Garlic Noodles Ever (3 Ways)

A fast, flavorful Chinese‑style noodle dish featuring three distinct chili‑garlic sauces. You can use store‑bought lo‑mein or make ultra‑quick homemade potato noodles in about 30 minutes. Each sauce offers a different balance of heat, umami, and sweetness, making this a versatile meal for any palate.

58 minServes 2$29
Chinese
Like this video to lock in flavor
12

Like this video to lock in flavor

Quick 10‑minute garlic chili noodles featuring ground pork, aromatic ginger, garlic, and a savory soy‑vinegar‑gochujang sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that packs bold Asian flavors.

32 minServes 2$23
Chinese-inspired
The MOST delicious Scallion Oil Noodles in my humble OP-ONION
3

The MOST delicious Scallion Oil Noodles in my humble OP-ONION

A simple yet flavorful Cantonese-inspired noodle dish featuring crispy scallions, garlic, and a savory broad‑bean‑paste sauce tossed with delicate capellini. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

37 minServes 2$2
Chinese
"Savor the Sizzle: Charred Spring Onion Udon Noodles Recipe!"
1

"Savor the Sizzle: Charred Spring Onion Udon Noodles Recipe!"

A quick 10‑minute bowl of happiness featuring caramelized spring onions, fragrant ginger and garlic, and thick udon noodles tossed in a tangy soy‑vinegar sauce. The charred onions release natural sugars that pair perfectly with the dark notes of black vinegar for a bold, comforting Asian noodle dish.

30 minServes 2$20
Japanese
Scallion Oil Noodles are one of those dishes when I want a lot of food quickly that tastes
2

Scallion Oil Noodles are one of those dishes when I want a lot of food quickly that tastes

A quick, aromatic Chinese-inspired noodle dish featuring crispy scallion whites and greens tossed in a flavorful oil‑based sauce. Perfect for batch‑cooking and weeknight meals.

26 minServes 4$2
Chinese