Scallion Oil Recipes

SCALLION PANCAKES

Steps:

• Thinly slice the scallions on the bias, separating out the dark, tender greens from the whites and light greens. Measure out 1 packed cup of the tender greens and set aside for the pancakes. Add the remaining tender greens, along with the whites and light greens, to a small saucepan. Add the oil and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to rapidly bubble, 5 to 7 minutes. Continue to fry, stirring more frequently now, until the bubbling begins to subside and the scallions turn crisp and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. They'll burn quickly at this point, so watch carefully.
• Strain scallions through a fine-mesh sieve set over a pint-sized heat-proof glass measuring cup or jar, then cool to room temperature, reserving the fried scallions to use as a garnish on fried rice, omelets, etc. When cool, measure out 1/2 cup of the scallion oil, then save the remainder for another use. (I like to stir fry with it, but swirling it into mashed potatoes isn't a bad idea either.) The scallion oil will keep for about 1 month refrigerated in an airtight container.
• For the dough, mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Pour in the boiling water all at once and stir with a spatula or chopsticks until just cool enough to handle, then knead by hand, in the bowl, until the dough comes together. Transfer to a clean counter and keep kneading until the dough is soft and smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Lube the bowl with nonstick spray, add the dough, toss to lightly coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
• Divide the dough into four 100- to 110-gram pieces (about 3 3/4-ounce) and roll into smooth balls and cover with a kitchen towel. Working one at a time, roll each ball into an 8- to 9-inch circle measuring less than 1/8-inch thick. Brush with 1 teaspoon of the cooled scallion oil and then sprinkle with 1/4 cup (about 15 grams) of the scallion greens. Roll into a tight snake, being sure to avoid creating any air bubbles inside. Wrap the snake into a tight pinwheel with the seam facing inward. Tuck the end under and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining balls. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest again for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. (If chilling, bring to room temperature before proceeding with the next step.)
• Brush your work surface with 1/2 teaspoon of the scallion oil. One at a time, roll the spirals into 7- to 8-inch pancakes. Return to the baking sheet and top with a piece of parchment. Repeat with the remaining dough spirals, greasing the counter with additional oil as needed and placing a piece of parchment between each pancake.
• Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heatIf you're measuring, the pan should be between 380 and 400°F. for 5 minutes. Line a baking sheet with an upside-down wire rack and stash near the cooktop.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the scallion oil to the hot skillet, followed by one of the pancakes. Fry, flipping every 30 to 45 seconds, until golden brown on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to the prepared rack. Repeat with the remaining pancakes, adding an additional tablespoon of oil to the pan in between each batch. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Prepare an ice bath.
• Place the water in a pan and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add the scallion greens and blanch for 30 seconds.
• Drain the scallions and transfer them to the ice bath.
• When they are cool, drain and wring them out or press dry between two paper towels. Place the scallions, ginger, soy and sesame oils, salt and pepper in a food processor and process till smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container, cover and refrigerate up to 2 months.

CHINESE CHILE-SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• In a large pot fitted with a deep-frying thermometer, combine the red pepper flakes, garlic, scallions, ginger, and the oils. Over medium-low heat, bring to a bubbly 225 to 250 degrees, stirring occasionally. Simmer 15 minutes, making sure the temperature does not rise above 250 degrees. Let cool. Scrape the oil and solids into a glass or plastic container and store tightly covered at room temperature.

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Heat a wok over medium heat. Add oil, and then scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until scallions turn golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, and let cool in wok. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, and let stand until room temperature. Pour into a glass jar, and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep, at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerated for up to 6 months.

TOFU AND RICE WITH SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Cut the tofu block crosswise into 6 equal segments, then cut the segments into 3 equal pieces to make 18 pieces. Press the tofu pieces between paper towels to dry them. Set aside.
• Add the scallions, fish sauce and sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and place the bowl next to the stove. Place a wire rack in a baking pan or sheet and place next to the stove as well.
• Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or high-walled cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 190 degrees F (see Cook's Note), ladle out 1/2 cup of oil and slowly pour over the scallion mixture; it should sizzle. Set aside the scallion oil while you fry the tofu.
• Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan to 375 degrees F. Add the tofu and fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to the wire rack-lined baking pan to drain.
• Divide the tofu among 2 to 3 bowls of rice. Stir the scallion oil to incorporate the oil with the scallions, then ladle generous spoonfuls over the tofu.

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Wash and trim scallions. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water nearby. When water boils, add salt, when it comes back to the boil, drop in half of the scallions and blanch for 10 seconds. Remove scallions from water with tongs and drop in ice bath. Plunge remaining scallions for 10 seconds and drop into ice water. When scallions are thoroughly chilled, drain them and squeeze dry. Roughly chop the blanched scallions. Place scallions in blender. Add 1/4 cup oil. Puree scallions, stopping frequently to scrape down sides of blender, until coarsely pureed. Add rest of oil and whirl until well blended. Pour mixture through a coarse sieve into a bowl, then pass again through a fine sieve. Use as garnish. Will hold 2 to 3 days.
• Make sure to choose very fresh, very green scallions for the best flavor and color.