How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Scallion Oil

Scallion oil is an essential condiment when paired with grilled seafood, broken rice, noodles, bánh hỏi, and more. If you’re unsure how to make scallion oil that is both rich and flavorful, this article will guide you through the process with quick and easy steps.

Scallion oil is not just a simple seasoning; it has become the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. Making scallion oil is a straightforward recipe, but not everyone knows how to make it delicious and appealing. The following tips from Food Vietnamese will help you master the secret to creating flavorful, visually appealing scallion oil that enhances your main dishes to perfection.

Instructions for Making Scallion Oil with Hot Oil

Using hot oil to make scallion oil is a simple method that keeps the scallions fresh and vibrant. With this method, you don’t have to worry about the scallions getting burnt or charred.

Ingredients:

• 50g scallions
• 5g chopped chili
• 150ml cooking oil
• 30g roasted peanuts (optional)
• Seasonings include pepper, sugar, and fish sauce.

To select fresh and delicious scallions, look for ones with intact bulbs, without any damage. The leaves should be a deep green color, fresh, and not wilted, while the bulbs should be pure white. Avoid buying scallions with yellowing leaves or wilted leaves, as these may have been stored for too long.

If you’re eating peanuts with scallion oil, choose good-quality peanuts with large, round, firm kernels. The shells should be bright in color, with no signs of mold or unusual discoloration.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start making scallion oil with hot oil by following these steps:

1. Wash the scallions thoroughly and use a knife or scissors to cut them into small pieces.
2. Roast the peanuts and crush them into small bits.
3. Place the chopped scallions into a bowl along with the chopped chili, add 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and the crushed peanuts.
4. Heat 150ml of cooking oil in a pan until it boils, then pour it directly over the scallions in the bowl and stir well.

Scallion oil made this way will have an incredibly fragrant aroma. You can enjoy it with bánh ướt, bánh hỏi, or grilled meat noodles for a delicious meal.

Detailed Method for Making Scallion Oil with a Microwave

Using a microwave to make scallion oil not only saves time but is also safe, as you don’t have to worry about the scallions getting burnt or oil splattering like when using a pan.

Ingredients:

• 50g scallions
• 150ml cooking oil
• Seasonings include sugar and seasoning powder.

Here are the steps for making scallion oil in the microwave:

1. Wash the scallions thoroughly and cut them into small pieces.
2. Place the chopped scallions into a bowl, and add a little seasoning powder and sugar to enhance the flavor.
3. Pour the cooking oil into the bowl.
4. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Take the bowl out of the microwave. And there you have it—a delicious, rich scallion oil that will satisfy both your sense of smell and taste!

Making Scallion Oil with a Pan

Making scallion oil with a pan is the most common method, allowing you to fully control the level of doneness and adjust it to your liking. Prepare the following:

Ingredients:

• 50g scallions
• 150ml cooking oil
• Seasonings include sugar and seasoning powder

Detailed instructions for making scallion oil with a pan:

1. Wash the scallions thoroughly and cut them into small pieces using scissors or a knife.
2. Place a pan on the stove, turn on the heat, and pour in the oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped scallions, and season with a little sugar and seasoning powder to enhance the flavor. Finally, continue to stir until the scallions are cooked to your preference. You can sauté the scallions to your desired level of doneness. During the process, it’s advisable to lower the heat to prevent the scallions from burning and losing their flavor.

Once finished, the scallion oil will have a distinctive aroma and a rich, crispy texture. It can be enjoyed with grilled oysters, grilled snails, stir-fried corn, or pork chop rice, all of which enhance the flavor of the dish.

Although the methods above are different, the end result will provide you with a bowl of rich, fragrant scallion oil that is incredibly appealing. The oil is clear, with a savory taste that blends perfectly with the just-cooked, fragrant scallions, showcasing a beautiful green color.

Tips for Making Delicious Scallion Oil

To ensure your scallion oil is delicious and appealing, pay attention to the following points:

• Use a pan with slightly high sides to make scallion oil, which will help prevent the oil or fat from splattering when the temperature rises. Using a pan with low sides can be dangerous and may cause burns.
• The quality of the scallion oil depends on the main ingredients. Choose fresh scallions with a deep green color; avoid wilted or dry scallions, as they will result in a less fragrant dish and lack the sweet flavor and characteristic green color of scallion oil.
• If you use pork fat instead of oil when making scallion oil, make sure to use fresh fat. Do not render the fat until it turns too golden, and be sure to remove all the fat after rendering to prevent the finished scallion oil from being too greasy.
• While making scallion oil, adjust the amount of oil or fat to match the amount of scallions. If there is too little oil, the scallion oil will be dry; conversely, if there is too much oil, the scallions may become greasy or burnt.
• If you don’t use all the scallion oil, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can keep the scallion oil for 2 to 3 days. When you want to use it, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for 2 minutes to use as usual.

I hope the above tips have helped you learn how to make delicious, vibrant, and rich scallion oil. With just a few simple steps and about 10 minutes of careful preparation, you can create a delightful scallion oil dish to treat your family. Visit Foodvietnamese.com for more traditional Vietnamese recipes!