Name: Ginger Scallion Sauce
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 5-6 stalks (2 oz) green onion (aka scallions finely minced); 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz) ginger (finely minced); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

Let’s make everyone’s favorite savory, fragrant, and aromatic ginger scallion sauce. You can pair this versatile Chinese condiment with your favorite protein, tofu, vegetables, rice, dumplings, noodles, or anything you can think of!

This ginger scallion sauce is probably one of the most delicious sauces you will ever try. The best part about this Chinese green onion sauce is that it only needs 5 easy-to-find ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make.

What is Ginger Scallion Sauce?
Ingredients
How to Make Ginger Scallion Sauce
Expert Tips
Storage Instructions
Pairing Suggestions
FAQ
Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe

What is Ginger Scallion Sauce?

Ginger scallion sauce, or ginger scallion oil, is a Chinese condiment that is aromatic and used to accompany many dishes in Chinese cuisine such as Hainanese chicken, char siu pork, crispy pork belly, and soy sauce chicken.

This recipe for Chinese ginger scallion sauce is made with freshly minced ginger, scallions, salt, vegetable oil, and a touch of sesame oil. The aromatics are infused with hot oil for a deeper full-bodied flavor.

A bowl of ginger scallion sauce with a spoon in it.

Ingredients

You can find the ingredients for this ginger scallion sauce recipe at your local grocery store.

Vegetable oil: is a neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point which is ideal.
Green Onion/Scallions: fresh, crisp, and deeply green scallions will have the most flavor.
Ginger: freshly peeled and minced ginger is necessary for a vibrant aromatic flavor.
Sesame oil: adds a nutty umami finish.
Salt: seasons the scallion sauce.

All the ingredients for making ginger scallion sauce organized and labeled.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

Neutral Oil: any neutral oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, peanut oil, canola oil, etc.

Additions

Soy sauce: adds another salty umami layer
Sugar: to add sweetness.
Garlic: adds another layer of aromatic flavor.
White Pepper: for added seasoning.
Chili Flakes, Fresh Chili Peppers, or Chili Oil: will add another layer of spiciness to the scallion ginger sauce.

How to Make Ginger Scallion Sauce

Here are the step-by-step photo instructions for how to make this ginger scallion sauce recipe. See below for the full measurements and detailed recipe instructions.

In a wok or large skillet over high heat, add the vegetable oil and bring the oil to 350°F (176°C) or until the oil is shimmering hot.
In a heat-proof bowl, add the ginger and green onion. Carefully pour the hot oil over the ginger and green onion.

Minced ginger, scallions, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Pouring hot oil into a bowl of ginger and scallions.

Once it stops sizzling, add sesame oil, mix and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use fresh ingredients! For the most robust and vibrant flavor use fresh ginger and scallions.
Finely mince. Finely mince the green onion and ginger for the best textures and flavors.
Use a heat-proof bowl. Make sure that you are pouring the hot oil into a heat-proof bowl to avoid any breakage.
Be careful. The hot oil will splatter when it touches the aromatics. Make sure to keep a safe distance.
Taste and adjust. Once the oil has cooled, taste and adjust the salt and sesame oil.

Storage Instructions

You can store the cooled ginger scallion sauce in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze: you can alternatively freeze this green onion sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.

Pairing Suggestions

You can pair this ginger scallion sauce with just about anything. Here are a few suggestions.

Noodles such as soy sauce pan-fried noodles, garlic chili oil noodles, or beef chow fun.
Rice such as plain steamed rice, egg fried rice, shrimp fried rice, or spicy tuna crispy rice.
Proteins such as soy sauce chicken, air fryer crispy pork belly, or char siu pork.
Vegetables such as garlic bok choy or Chinese garlic green beans.
Dumplings such as pork and chive dumplings or pork and cabbage dumplings.
Soups such as egg drop soup, Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, or chao ga (Vietnamese chicken rice porridge).

FAQ

What is the difference between green onions and scallions?

They are the same thing but with different names. Some places refer to them as green onions whereas others call it scallions. It just depends on the region you are in.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this ginger scallion sauce recipe up to two weeks in advance stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make ginger scallion oil spicy?

Yes! You can add red chili flakes or freshly sliced red chilis for added spice.

Additional Condiment Recipes to Try