Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles

These Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles are a quick and easy take on a classic Shanghainese comfort dish. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this allergy-friendly and vegan recipe uses gluten-free noodles and coconut aminos to deliver a deeply savory, umami-packed flavor. The star of the show? Crispy, aromatic scallions infused in neutral oil. Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a perfect light lunch or customizable weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 4 oz gluten-free spaghetti or noodles

  • 4–5 fresh whole scallions (green onions)

  • 3 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or safflower oil)

  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos (soy-free soy sauce alternative)

  • 2 tsp granulated sweetener or sugar of choice

Directions

  1. Cook gluten-free noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

  2. Chop scallions into thirds and julienne each section. Separate green tops, middles, and thick white bottoms.

  3. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add thick white scallion parts and cook for 2–3 minutes. Then add middle sections for another 2–3 minutes. Finally, add green tops and cook for 2–3 minutes until all scallions are browned and crispy.

  4. Remove crispy scallions and set aside. Reduce heat to low and stir in coconut aminos and sweetener. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.

  5. Add drained noodles and ⅓ of the crispy scallions into the pan. Toss to coat in sauce.

  6. Divide into two bowls and top with the remaining crispy scallions. Serve hot.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: ~325 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: ~600mg

A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy Days

In today’s fast-paced world, having quick and simple meals on hand is essential. Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles are the ideal solution for anyone who wants a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish offers a flavorful meal with minimal effort. The gluten-free noodles provide a chewy base, while the crispy, aromatic scallions add a satisfying crunch and savory depth. The dish is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze, which is always a plus for busy home cooks.

The recipe calls for just five ingredients, yet it is brimming with flavor thanks to the star ingredient: scallions. When cooked in oil, the scallions caramelize, creating a rich, umami-packed base that elevates the entire dish. The simplicity of this recipe means it can be easily adjusted to your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

The Power of Scallions: Aromatic and Flavorful

Scallions (also known as green onions) are the highlight of this dish. When cooked in oil, they become crispy and fragrant, infusing the oil with a deep, savory flavor that is essential to this dish’s signature taste. The process of browning the scallions in oil adds a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the noodles. The various parts of the scallion—thick white bottoms, tender middle sections, and bright green tops—are all used, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor. The white parts cook first, creating a deep umami flavor, while the green parts cook last, adding a burst of fresh oniony taste and color.

Scallions are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, making them a healthful addition to the dish. Their mild onion flavor is perfect for those who enjoy the essence of onions but prefer a gentler taste than traditional yellow or red onions.

Coconut Aminos: A Soy-Free Umami Booster

A key ingredient in this recipe is coconut aminos, a soy-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar salty, umami flavor without the gluten. Coconut aminos are made from the sap of coconut trees and are naturally lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce, making them a popular choice for those who are looking to reduce their salt intake. The slightly sweet, mild flavor of coconut aminos pairs beautifully with the savory scallions, complementing their crispy texture and enriching the overall flavor of the noodles.

The addition of coconut aminos adds complexity to the dish, contributing to its deep umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s an essential component that ensures the dish is as flavorful as it is satisfying, providing the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty notes.

A Touch of Sweetness: Granulated Sweetener

A small amount of granulated sweetener or sugar is added to the sauce to enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded taste. This touch of sweetness works to balance the saltiness of the coconut aminos and the richness of the crispy scallions. The sweetener helps to bring out the natural flavors of the scallions and noodles, making the dish feel harmonious and balanced.

The sweetness in this dish is subtle, but it plays an important role in elevating the overall flavor profile. It rounds out the savory elements, making the dish more complex and satisfying without being overly sugary. You can use your preferred sweetener, whether it’s granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute, depending on your dietary preferences.

Gluten-Free Noodles: A Light Yet Satisfying Base

The foundation of this dish is the gluten-free noodles, which serve as a perfect vehicle for the savory scallion oil sauce. You can use gluten-free spaghetti, rice noodles, or any other gluten-free noodle variety you prefer. These noodles provide a soft and chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy scallions. The gluten-free noodles also absorb the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Whether you use store-bought gluten-free noodles or make your own, the noodles remain light and satisfying. The beauty of gluten-free noodles is that they can be made from a variety of grains, including rice, quinoa, and corn, offering different textures and flavors. This dish works with any gluten-free noodle of your choice, allowing for flexibility based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Customizing Your Noodles: A Versatile Dish

One of the greatest advantages of Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles is how customizable it is. While the recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, you can easily add more vegetables, protein, or spices to make the dish your own. If you want to add more texture, you could toss in some thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the sautéed scallions. These vegetables will add a pop of color and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

For those looking to add protein, you can incorporate tofu, tempeh, or even chicken or beef. Tofu, in particular, works well in this dish due to its ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce and its light texture, making it a great plant-based option. You can also top the noodles with sesame seeds, chili flakes, or fresh cilantro to add extra flavor and color.

The simple, savory flavor of the noodles makes them an ideal side dish for a variety of meals. Pair them with a light salad, grilled meats, or a vegetable stir-fry to create a balanced and flavorful meal.

A Healthier Take on Comfort Food

Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles offer a healthier take on comfort food without sacrificing flavor. The dish is naturally low in calories and fat, with the combination of coconut aminos, scallions, and a touch of sweetener making for a flavorful, satisfying meal. The noodles themselves are light yet filling, providing a satisfying base without being too heavy.

In addition, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Whether you are following a gluten-free, plant-based, or soy-free diet, this dish provides a delicious, health-conscious option that is still indulgent and satisfying.

The Perfect Light Lunch or Dinner

Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles are the perfect option for a light lunch or dinner. The dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you need something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to cook. The simplicity of the recipe means you can prepare it in 15 minutes or less, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle of complicated cooking methods.

Since the noodles are light yet filling, this dish works well as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers a savory, umami-packed flavor with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, this dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that is also vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly. The crispy, aromatic scallions, combined with the richness of the coconut aminos and sweetness of the sweetener, create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Whether served as a quick lunch or a customizable dinner, these noodles are a versatile, health-conscious choice that everyone can enjoy. With their simplicity, flavor, and ease of preparation, Gluten-Free Scallion Oil Noodles are a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal.

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