The Wok: Scallion Oil Noodles

The Wok: Scallion Oil Noodles is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $7.65 total, $3.83 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches Scallions (green tops and white bases separated; greens cut into 2‑inch pieces, whites cut finer)
  • 2 pieces Shallots (roughly sliced lengthwise into thin slivers)
  • 2 cups Rice Bran Oil (neutral‑flavored oil; can substitute with canola, peanut, or lard)
  • 400 g Fresh Wheat Noodles (or any thin egg or dried spaghetti; cook until just al dente)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (helps balance the soy sauces)
  • 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce (Japanese shoyu or Chinese light soy)
  • 1 teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce (adds color; optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Scallions and Shallots

    Separate scallion greens from whites. Cut the greens into roughly 2‑inch lengths. Slice the white parts into shorter pieces. Slice shallots lengthwise into thin slivers, keeping the root end attached for a uniform shape.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Oil and Fry Aromatics

    Add 2 cups of rice bran oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium‑high until the oil shimmers, then reduce to medium. Add all scallion whites and shallot slivers. Stir gently, maintaining a steady soft bubble. Cook for about 8 minutes, then add the scallion greens and continue cooking another 4 minutes until the edges turn golden‑brown but not burnt.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Cool the Scallion Oil

    Remove the skillet from heat and let the oil and aromatics sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a heat‑proof bowl, then let it cool completely before storing or using.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook the Noodles

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh wheat noodles and cook for 1‑2 minutes, just until they float and are al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: boiling

  5. Toss Noodles with Condiment

    Return the drained noodles to the pot or a large bowl. Add about ¼ cup of the cooled scallion‑oil mixture (adjust to taste), 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce. Toss vigorously until the noodles are evenly coated and the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Serve

    Plate the noodles in shallow bowls, drizzle any remaining scallion‑oil on top, and garnish with a few extra raw scallion greens if desired. Serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using gluten‑free soy sauce

Allergens: Wheat, Soy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The Wok: Scallion Oil Noodles

Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt

A quick, flavorful noodle dish featuring a homemade scallion‑oil condiment that can be batch‑made and stored for weeks. Fresh wheat noodles are tossed with caramelized scallions, shallots, a touch of sugar, light and dark soy sauce, creating a classic Shanghai street‑food experience at home.

EasyChineseServes 2

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.65
Total cost
$3.83
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the oil bubble vigorously; keep a gentle simmer to avoid burning the aromatics.
  • Remove the skillet from heat before the scallions turn fully crisp; residual heat will finish cooking them.
  • Taste the noodle seasoning before serving and adjust oil/soy balance.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Handle boiling water with care to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Scallion oil noodles are a classic Shanghai street‑food staple, traditionally served as a quick, inexpensive lunch or snack. The dish showcases the Shanghai love for simple, aromatic condiments that can be made in bulk and used to flavor many meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of scallion oil noodles in Shanghai versus other parts of China?

A

In Shanghai the oil is usually made with neutral rice bran oil and a mix of scallion greens and whites, while in Sichuan you might find the oil spiced with chili flakes. Northern versions sometimes add fermented soy paste for extra umami.

cultural
Q

How is Shanghai‑style Scallion Oil Noodles traditionally served in Shanghai households?

A

It is typically served hot, tossed with the aromatic oil, a splash of light soy sauce, a hint of dark soy for color, and a pinch of sugar. It may be garnished with extra raw scallion greens and eaten with chopsticks as a standalone meal or side.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Shanghai‑style Scallion Oil Noodles traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

The dish is everyday fare rather than a festive food, but it often appears at family gatherings as a quick, comforting noodle option, especially during busy weekdays or after market trips.

cultural
Q

What other Shanghai dishes pair well with Scallion Oil Noodles?

A

They pair nicely with braised pork belly (hong shao rou), steamed dumplings (xiaolongbao), or a light broth such as wonton soup, providing a balance of rich and light flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Shanghai‑style Scallion Oil Noodles versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include scallion greens and whites, shallots, rice bran oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. Substitutes can be canola or peanut oil, green onions for scallions, and tamari for soy sauce if gluten‑free is needed.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the scallion oil until it burns, using too high a heat that causes scorching, and over‑cooking the noodles so they become mushy. Keep the oil at a gentle bubble and stop cooking the aromatics while still slightly tender.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a two‑stage cooking method for scallions (whites first, greens later) instead of cooking everything together?

A

Scallion whites take longer to soften and caramelize, while the greens are delicate and lose their bright flavor if over‑cooked. Adding greens later preserves texture and color, giving the final oil a layered flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Shanghai‑style Scallion Oil Noodles ahead of time and how should I store the components?

A

Yes. Prepare the scallion‑oil in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve; toss them with the pre‑made oil just before plating.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the scallion oil is done?

A

The aromatics should be a light golden‑brown, still slightly flexible, and the oil should be clear with tiny flecks of scallion. The mixture should not be dark brown or smoky, which indicates burning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López‑Alt specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel J. Kenji López‑Alt focuses on science‑based cooking, detailed technique breakdowns, and accessible recipes that demystify classic and modern dishes for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López‑Alt's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Kenji emphasizes precise temperature control, step‑by‑step explanations, and the underlying food science, whereas many Chinese cooking channels focus more on tradition and visual storytelling without deep technical detail.

channel

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