Your heart sank just as you noticed the food on the table. Your taste buds are bored with having the same flavours or spices being used repeatedly. Regardless of how much seasoning you add, you fail to bring a fresh flavour to the table. So, where is the solution? Where do you go?
Well, look no further as we walk you through some easy steps to instantly make four season scallion sauce at home.
With some simple ingredients and 15 minutes of your precious time, you can easily make this green sauce to bring new life to your everyday dishes.
What Is Four Season Scallion Sauce?
This greenish-gold condiment originates from Chinese cuisine but has found its way to many modern kitchens around the world. It is a warm, savory, and slightly tangy liquid paste that gives your taste buds a soothing and refreshing experience.
Four-season scallion sauce can be used all around the year due to its versatility, ranging from hot summer noodles to cosy winter rice bowls, hence the name is “Four Season”.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Surprisingly, the scallion sauce is very easy to make once you have all the basic aromatics and oil ready at your disposal. The ingredients are as follows:
Scallions (Green Onions)
Take about 8-10 stalks of green scallions and finely slice the green and white parts. This is the key ingredient in the mix—fresh, grassy, and a little sweet when cooked.
Garlic
Add 3-4 cloves, minced or finely grated. This deepens the flavour and gives the sauce a savoury backbone.
Ginger
A little amount of ginger adds a slight punch of sharpness and zing to the flavour and balances the oiliness and beauty.
Neutral Oil
Take ½ cup of neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, peanut oil, etc.).
Soy Sauce
Add two tablespoons of light soy sauce. It’s for umami and saltiness to the flavor.
Rice Vinegar (optional)
You can add a teaspoon of rice vinegar to add extra brightness to the flavor.
Sesame Oil
Use a few drops (½ teaspoon) of sesame oil to bring warmth and nuttiness.
Salt
Finally, add ½ teaspoon of salt to elevate all the natural flavors in the sauce.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chilli flakes or freshly chopped chili (for a spicy version).
- Crushed Sichuan peppercorns (for a tingling twist).
- A pinch of sugar (for a slightly sweet contrast).
How To Make Four Season Scallion Sauce (Five Simple Steps)
Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics
Chop your scallions, garlic, and ginger into fine slices and place them in a heat-proof bowl or glass jar. If you want texture, leave the scallions slightly chunky.
Step 2: Heat The Oil
Take a small saucepan and heat the neutral oil for 2-3 minutes. You want to shimmer the oil slightly, but do not overheat to see smoke.
To test it, throw a little piece of scallion into the oil; if it sizzles right away, you are ready.
Step 3: Pour The Oil
Carefully pour the hot oil into the scallions, garlic, and ginger mix. You will hear a sizzling sound as the mixture starts to cook due to the heat.
Step 4: Seasoning
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and (optional) vinegar or sugar. Stir them well. To adjust according to your preference, add more soy sauce if you like it more salty or add more vinegar if you like zing.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour them into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This way, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks (though you’ll probably finish it in 3 days).
Serving Ideas: What To Eat With Four Season Scallion Sauce
Rice Dishes
Pour a spoonful of steamed jasmine or brown rice with a fried egg to make a delicious lunch bowl. You can also add tofu, veggies, or grilled chicken.
Noodles
Pour the sauce into cooked noodles like soba, ramen, or even spaghetti to turn the dish into an instant delight.
Dumplings and Potstickers
Use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, gyoza, or even wontons. It will get wrapped perfectly without overpowering the fillings.
Eggs and Breakfast
Pour the sauce into scrambled eggs or add it to a soft-boiled egg on toast. You will finish it within seconds and crave more.
Grilled Veggies or Meats
Brush the sauce on grilled eggplants, mushrooms, or chicken skewers. You will never forget the taste of smoky char and oiled scallions.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Pour a thin spread of the sauce into wraps, sandwiches, or burgers. This gives an extra punch to the flavor.
Four-Season Scallion Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Scallions 8–10 Stalks
- 3-4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Piece Fresh Ginger One Inch Piece
- 1/2 Cup Neutral Oil
- 2 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 Tsp Rice Vinegar Optional
- 1/2 Tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Chili Flakes Optional
Instructions
- Finely chop the scallions, garlic, and grate the ginger. Place them in a heat-proof bowl or glass jar.
- Heat the neutral oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2–3 minutes).
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the scallions, garlic, and ginger. You’ll hear a sizzle as the aromatics cook and infuse the oil.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and rice vinegar (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Conclusion
So there you have it! The all-year-round four-season scallion sauce recipe is right at your fingertips. You no longer have to panic when you think of your next meal.
The fun part is that you usually have the ingredients lying around in your kitchen. All you need is 15 minutes of your precious time, and before you know it, the sauce is ready to serve your tastebuds. So grab your bowl and start making it today.
FAQs
What is Four Season Scallion Sauce Made of?
It is a flavorful blend of finely chopped scallions, garlic, ginger, neutral oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Depending on your taste buds you can add rice vinegar, chili flakes, or a hint of sugar as optional. It is a blend of savory, umami-rich sauce.
How Do You Use Scallion Sauce In Meals?
It is incredibly versatile due to its flavor-enriching ingredients. You can use it as toppings for rice or noodles, a dipping sauce for dumplings, a dressing for grain bowls or salads, or even as spread in wraps or sandwiches. This condiment goes well with both vegetable and meat dishes for its universal characteristics.
Is It Served Hot or Cold?
Four-season scallion sauce is typically served at room temperature or cold. The sauce tastes equally fantastic when served warm right after the preparation. You can store it in the fridge for later use.
