Shanghai-Style Scallion Oil Noodles with Sesame

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

Simple yet flavorful noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil and toasted sesame seeds, a classic Shanghainese comfort dish. This chinese-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh Chinese egg noodles, stalks scallions, thinly sliced, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 stalks thinly sliced scallions to the hot oil and fry gently for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly crispy but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Pour the hot scallion oil over the drained noodles, then add 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 tsp salt; toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm for a fragrant, savory noodle dish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 egg noodles from drying out.

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

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 Oil Noodles with Sesame 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 Oil Noodles with Sesame 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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