Name: Vietnamese Scallion Oil (Mỡ Hành)
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 8 stalks scallion ((green onions)); ½ cup neutral oil ((vegetable, canola, peanut, avocado, or soybean)); ⅛ teaspoon salt ((optional))

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Vietnamese scallion oil, or “mỡ hành,” is a simple yet flavorful condiment commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It is made by frying chopped scallions (green onions) in hot oil until they become fragrant.

This process infuses the oil with the savory aroma and taste of the scallions, creating a versatile and aromatic sauce or garnish that adds depth of flavor to various dishes, such as noodles, rice, soups, and stir-fries. Scallion oil can enhance the overall taste of a dish while also providing a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch.

This Homemade Scallion Oil Is:

Flavorful. Frying the scallions in oil enhances their natural sweetness and imparts a rich, savory flavor to the oil, elevating the taste of any dish it’s added to.
Versatile. Scallion oil can be used in a wide range of dishes, including noodles, rice, soups, stir-fries, and marinades, adding depth of flavor to each dish.
Quick and easy. Making scallion oil is a straightforward process that requires minimal cooking time. It requires only a few basic ingredients, such as scallions (green onions) and oil, making it easy and affordable to prepare at home.

Key Ingredients

labelled ingredients for scallion oil: green onions and oil.

Scallions (Green Onions): Scallions are the star ingredient of scallion oil, imparting a fresh, oniony flavor and vibrant green color. They are used for their aromatic essence, which infuses the oil during cooking, creating a savory and fragrant condiment. When selecting scallions for scallion oil, opt for fresh, firm ones with crisp green tops, as they will yield the best flavor and color. If scallions are unavailable, chives or leeks can be used as substitutes, although they may impart slightly different flavors.
Oil: Oil serves as the base for scallion oil, providing a medium for frying the scallions and extracting their flavors. Neutral oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are commonly used, as they allow the flavor of the scallions to shine without overpowering other ingredients. It’s best to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during the frying process. Additionally, using a light-colored oil helps maintain the vibrant green color of the scallions. Avoid using strongly flavored oils like olive oil, as they can compete with the delicate flavor of the scallions.
Salt (optional): Salt is added to scallion oil to enhance the flavors of the scallions and oil, providing a balanced seasoning to the condiment. When seasoning scallion oil, start with a small amount of salt and adjust to taste, as the saltiness can vary depending on personal preference.

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

How to Make Vietnamese Scallion Oil

cutting board with knife thinly slicing scallions.

Step 1: Wash the scallions and pat dry with a paper towel. Thinly slice scallions.

Step 2: Add vegetable oil and scallions to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to sizzle, turn off the heat and transfer it to a bowl.

Use it as a garnish on your favorite food.

Garnish It On All Your Favorites

It can be used in soups, stir-fries, noodle dishes, salads, and as a topping for grilled meats or seafood. Drizzle this scallion oil on Vietnamese dishes like banh khot, bun thit nuong, or bot chien.

bowl of scallion oil surrounded by green onions.

How to Store

Allow the scallion oil to cool to room temperature after preparing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to spoilage.

Transfer the cooled scallion oil to a clean, dry glass jar or airtight container with a secure lid. Ensure the container is completely dry to prevent moisture from contaminating the oil.

Refrigerate: Store the scallion oil in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. The cool temperature helps preserve the freshness of the oil and prevents it from turning rancid. Scallion oil can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.

Avoid Freezing: While scallion oil can be refrigerated, it is not recommended to freeze it. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of the oil, resulting in a less desirable taste and consistency.

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