Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian)

Ingredients

• Noodles (8 ounces (preferably chinese wheat noodles))
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
• Scallions (6-8, green parts only, cut into 2-inch sections)
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor))
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the scallions thoroughly. Cut the scallions into 2-inch sections, separating the white parts from the green parts.
2. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over low heat. Add the white sections of the scallions and fry gently until they turn golden brown and crispy. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Once browned, remove the crispy scallions from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. Keep the scallion-infused oil in the pan and add the soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined, creating a savory sauce.
5. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. In a large mixing bowl, pour the scallion oil mixture over the drained noodles. Toss well to ensure that every noodle is coated with the aromatic oil.
7. Add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor (if using) and salt to taste. Toss again to combine.
8. Serve the noodles hot, garnished with the reserved crispy scallions and the green parts of the scallions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious scallion oil noodles!