10-Min Shanghai Spring Onion (Scallion) Noodles (葱油拌面)
Craving something simple yet packed with flavour?
These Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面) are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re feeling a little homesick.
With just 5 core ingredients, this recipe delivers bold, fragrant flavours in under 15 minutes.
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About this recipe
When you’re craving something simple, fragrant, and ridiculously satisfying, Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles are the ultimate go-to.
Also known as Spring Onion Noodles or 葱油拌面, this classic Shanghainese dish is proof that you don’t need a tonne of fancy ingredients to make something so good.
As someone from Shanghai, I grew up eating these noodles, and they’re the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug from home.
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients - noodles, spring onions, soy sauce, sugar, and oil - can come together to create something so flavourful.
The Secret is in the Scallions
The magic happens when you fry the spring onions until they’re golden and fragrant. This step transforms the oil into a savoury, aromatic base that coats the noodles perfectly.
Add a caramelised soy sauce mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s ridiculously easy yet bursting with flavour.
Customise It Your Way
Traditionally, these noodles are served without spice, but I can’t resist adding a drizzle of chilli oil for some heat - it’s just how I like it.
You can totally customise them - add sesame oil for nuttiness or top with tofu or a fried egg if you want to take it up a notch.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
These noodles are everything I love about comfort food: simple, packed with flavour, and deeply nostalgic.
Whether I’m feeling a bit homesick or just want a quick dinner fix, this dish always hits the spot. Naturally meat-free and only requiring five ingredients, it’s perfect for any day, really.
Why You’ll Love It
- Requires just 5 basic ingredients.
- Naturally meat-free but full of flavour.
- Quick, comforting, and perfect for customisation.
Between the caramelised scallion richness and endless ways to make it your own, Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles are a total winner every time.
Ingredients
- 200g noodles of your choice
- 2 stalks of spring onions
- 3-4 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp chilli oil (optional)
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles
Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and lightly rinse with water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Thinly slice the spring onions
Separate the white parts from the green parts of the spring onions. Thinly slice both sections. The white parts are more aromatic and will be cooked first.
3. Cook the spring onions
Heat the oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat. Add the white parts of the spring onions first and fry until fragrant.
Then, add the green parts. Stir gently to prevent burning. The spring onions will infuse the oil with a rich, savoury aroma.
4. Add seasoning to the cooked spring onions
Stir the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar into the infused scallion oil. Mix well and taste. Adjust with a pinch of salt if needed.
5. Combine with the noodles
Toss the cooked noodles into the pan with the scallion oil mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the noodles. Let the soy sauce caramelise slightly for an extra depth of flavour.
6. Garnish & serve
Drizzle with chilli oil if you enjoy spice or add a touch of sesame oil for extra nuttiness. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. What type of noodles should I use?
You can use any noodles you like, but thin or knife-cut wheat noodles or ramen-style noodles work best for this recipe.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the noodles for a gluten-free variety and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh the flavours.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The scallion oil can be prepared in advance and stored in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the noodles, toss with the oil, and season.
5. Can I add protein?
Absolutely! You can add tofu, shredded chicken, or even a fried egg on top to make it more filling.
6. Is chilli oil necessary?
Not at all. Chilli oil is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish. Alternatively, you can add sesame oil for a different flavour profile.
Video demonstration
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