Spring Onion Oil Noodles Recipe

I absolutely adore this noodle recipe because it’s a quick and easy comfort food that fits perfectly into my busy lifestyle, making it ideal for a cozy night in with a pinch of indulgence. The combination of soy sauces, oyster sauce, and garlic gives it an incredible depth of flavor that feels like a comforting hug from a culinary best friend, reminding me of simple yet gratifying moments.

I adore the straightforwardness and flavor-packed profile of my recipe for Spring Onion Oil Noodles. Here, 8 oz of dried wheat noodles absorb the aromatic combination of 1/4 cup of vegetable oil that has been infused with garlic and a bunch of spring onions.

The umami flavor that gives this dish an extra edge comes from the light and dark soy sauces, a touch of oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar. This dish is everything you want when you want something simple and comforting that hits all the taste and texture notes you expect from a noodle dish.

Ingredients

Dried Wheat Noodles:
Carbohydrates are plentiful; they offer lots of energy and give us a mouthfeel and appearance in our foods that we like.

Vegetable Oil:
Fats that are beneficial promote flavor and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.

Spring Onions:
Imparts a refreshing quality; abundant in vitamins A and C, low in calories.

Light Soy Sauce:
Imparts a pleasant savory flavor while having very few calories.

Dark Soy Sauce:
Concentrates flavor; adds color; less salty; a little sweet.

Oyster Sauce:
Having a delicate sweetness that isn’t overpowering, it enhances the depth of flavor.

Sugar:
Offsets salty flavors; conveys a gentle sweetness.

White Pepper:
Discretionary heat; communicates subtle spice and aroma.

Garlic:
Enhances the immune system; imparts heat and fragrance.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz dried wheat noodles
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 bunch spring onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the dried wheat noodles based on what the package instructs until they reach an al dente state. Afterward, rinse them under cold water; drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.

2. In a pan, over medium heat, bring the vegetable oil to a shimmer.

3. The hot oil is ready to receive the spring onions, which should be sliced and added to the pan. Reserve a handful for garnish. Your cooking moment is 3 minutes—YES, that’s just 3 minutes to achieve lightly browned and fragrant spring onions that are ready to make you a star.

4. Take the spring onions out of the oil with a slotted spoon and put them aside.

5. Reduce the heat and put the minced garlic in the pan, cooking it until it is just golden and fragrant.

6. Integrate the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and optional white pepper into the mixture and stir well to combine.

7. Add the pan-cooked noodles to the sauce, tossing them until they are evenly coated in the sauce.

8. Take off the heat and combine with the sautéed green onions.

9. Move the noodles to serving bowls and top each with the set-aside fresh spring onions.

10. Enjoy right away while still warm as a comforting and aromatic meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Large pan or skillet
4. Slotted spoon
5. Mixing spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried wheat noodles?Indeed, fresh noodles can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the directions for fresh noodles given on the package.
• What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?Hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar can be used in place of oyster sauce, but using these alternatives will result in a flavor that is not quite the same as what you would get with oyster sauce.
• Is it necessary to include white pepper?White pepper is not a requirement. It brings a touch of warmth and a hint of earthiness to the dish, but you could absolutely leave it out—your noodles will still be delicious.
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?For this dish to be free of gluten, use noodles that do not contain gluten and make certain that all sauces are free of gluten and labeled as such.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep remnants in a sealed and secure container in the cold. We find it hard to believe, but storage in the refrigerator has been shown to extend a food’s lifespan by up to 3 days. Of course, this is only if we’re talking about those foods that should be served cold. If we’re talking about foods in the vacuum of a sealed container, well, that’s just asking for trouble—an infestation for you, and a buffet of grubs for the next culinary critic in your life.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Certainly. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for extra protein.
• How can I make this dish spicier?Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the noodles before serving for extra spiciness.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil: You can replace it with sesame oil for a nutty flavor or with olive oil for a milder taste.
Use tamari for a gluten-free option or shoyu for a flavor profile similar to that of light soy sauce.
Dark soy sauce: If you can’t get this, then use light soy sauce, and add a pinch of molasses or brown sugar for color.
Mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce can be used to achieve a similar umami flavor to that of oyster sauce.
Scallions can be used as they are essentially the same; or try using leeks for a different texture and taste.

Pro Tips

1. Noodle Prep After cooking the noodles to al dente, ensure they are well-drained and lightly coated with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together as they cool.

2. Flavor Infusion For an extra depth of flavor, briefly toast the garlic in the oil before adding the spring onions. This will infuse the oil with a rich garlic aroma that enhances the entire dish.

3. Custom Spice If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a small amount of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes when stirring in the sauces.

4. Balanced Sweetness Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the sugar slightly, or increase it for a subtly sweeter note.

5. Extra Texture For added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the finished dish right before serving. This not only adds texture but also complements the flavors of the soy sauces and oyster sauce.