Scallion Oil Food

BROCCOLINI WITH SIZZLING GINGER-SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Bring large, deep skillet of water to boil over high heat. Season with salt and coins of ginger. Pour soy sauce into a measuring cup and set aside.
• Blanch broccolini in the skillet until just tender, a few minutes. Remove to a large platter, draining as much water as possible (reserve the water).
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a small saucepan over high heat.
• Place julienned ginger, scallions and chiles over broccolini.
• Test if oil is hot enough by dropping one piece of ginger into the saucepan. If it sizzles with vigor, then it's hot enough! Carefully pour hot oil over the broccolini and aromatics.
• Quickly dilute soy sauce with 1/4 cup hot water from the skillet. Stir together, then pour around the broccolini and serve!

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Wash and trim scallions. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water nearby. When water boils, add salt, when it comes back to the boil, drop in half of the scallions and blanch for 10 seconds. Remove scallions from water with tongs and drop in ice bath. Plunge remaining scallions for 10 seconds and drop into ice water. When scallions are thoroughly chilled, drain them and squeeze dry. Roughly chop the blanched scallions. Place scallions in blender. Add 1/4 cup oil. Puree scallions, stopping frequently to scrape down sides of blender, until coarsely pureed. Add rest of oil and whirl until well blended. Pour mixture through a coarse sieve into a bowl, then pass again through a fine sieve. Use as garnish. Will hold 2 to 3 days.
• Make sure to choose very fresh, very green scallions for the best flavor and color.

TOFU AND RICE WITH SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Cut the tofu block crosswise into 6 equal segments, then cut the segments into 3 equal pieces to make 18 pieces. Press the tofu pieces between paper towels to dry them. Set aside.
• Add the scallions, fish sauce and sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and place the bowl next to the stove. Place a wire rack in a baking pan or sheet and place next to the stove as well.
• Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or high-walled cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 190 degrees F (see Cook's Note), ladle out 1/2 cup of oil and slowly pour over the scallion mixture; it should sizzle. Set aside the scallion oil while you fry the tofu.
• Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan to 375 degrees F. Add the tofu and fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to the wire rack-lined baking pan to drain.
• Divide the tofu among 2 to 3 bowls of rice. Stir the scallion oil to incorporate the oil with the scallions, then ladle generous spoonfuls over the tofu.

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Heat a wok over medium heat. Add oil, and then scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until scallions turn golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, and let cool in wok. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, and let stand until room temperature. Pour into a glass jar, and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep, at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerated for up to 6 months.

NOODLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND CHILE-SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• For chile-scallion oil:
• Cook all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally, until scallions and garlic are just golden brown, about 3 minutes. Let cool; transfer oil to a jar.
• DO AHEAD: Chile oil can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill.
• For noodles and assembly:
• Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions; drain. Rinse noodles under cold water, then shake off as much water as possible.
• Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and oil in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves. Add noodles, chicken, and scallions; toss to coat. Toss with cucumber, radishes, and cilantro and drizzle with chile oil just before serving.
• DO AHEAD: Noodles can be cooked the night before. Toss with 1 teaspoon oil; cover and chill. Store noodles with chicken; store vegetables and dressing separately.