Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple yet flavorful stir-fried wheat noodles tossed with fragrant scallions and nutty sesame oil, a staple comfort dish from Shanghai. This chinese-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh Chinese wheat noodles, vegetable oil, light soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 12 oz fresh Chinese wheat noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 large scallions sliced into 2-inch lengths and stir-fry for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the wok, tossing gently to combine with the scallions.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil over the noodles, sprinkle 1/4 tsp ground white pepper and salt to taste. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated evenly.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately as a light main or side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh chinese wheat noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Shanghai-Style Scallion Noodles with Sesame Oil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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