There's something so comforting about bowls of noodles glowing with vibrant green broccoli and fragrant scallions. This Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe is not only speedy but also a delicious way to satisfy that craving for something flavorful and fresh without a ton of effort.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe because it’s a genuine weeknight hero—fast, simple, and packed with flavor. It hits the perfect balance between freshness from the scallions and broccoli and indulgence with garlic butter, all ready in about 20 minutes.
- Speedy Prep: You can have a delicious meal on the table in under half an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic and ginger-infused butter sauce with a hint of chili flakes creates layers of savory goodness.
- Nutritious Boost: Broccoli adds a great crunch and nutrients, and optional edamame pumps up the protein.
- Easy Customizations: Whether you want to add eggs, swap noodles, or adjust spice levels, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a role in making this dish simple yet satisfying. The noodles soak up all those delicious buttery, garlicky flavors, while broccoli adds freshness and texture. Shopping tip? Look for firm, fresh scallions and vibrant broccoli to elevate the final dish.
- Dry ramen noodles or Pad Thai rice noodles: These noodles cook quickly and have the perfect texture to hold the sauce without getting mushy.
- Neutral cooking oil: Keeps the flavors clean without overpowering the garlic butter aroma.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a crunchy freshness that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. Shiitake mushrooms make a tasty swap if you want something earthier.
- Unsalted butter: For that rich, silky sauce that coats every strand of noodle.
- Green onions (scallions): The star of the recipe—fresh and pungent flavor that brightens the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Sautéed to infuse every bite with savory warmth.
- Fresh ginger: Gives a zesty spicy backdrop that wakes up the palate.
- Chili flakes: Adjustable heat that adds just the right kick; chili oil is a great alternative for more complexity.
- Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Important for balanced seasoning without overwhelming saltiness.
- Shelled edamame (optional): A wonderful way to add plant-based protein and a little extra texture.
- Toasted sesame seeds or sesame oil: For that nutty finish that complements the Asian flavor profile.
- Fried or soft-boiled eggs (optional): The perfect protein-rich topping that makes the meal more indulgent and satisfying.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with this recipe by switching up the toppings or noodles. It feels fun and fresh every time I make it. You can easily customize it to match what you have on hand and your taste preferences.
- Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap butter with coconut or plant-based butter and skip the egg toppings for a vegan-friendly version.
- Protein Boost: Adding cooked shrimp, tofu cubes, or the optional edamame really turns this into a filling meal.
- Spice Level: Play with chili flakes or drizzle on chili oil depending on how fiery you like it—I always start mild and spice it up later!
- Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for a colorful twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles to Tender Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles—ramen or Pad Thai rice noodles work beautifully—and cook according to the package, usually about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy noodles. Once done, drain and set aside so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Sauté Broccoli Until Crisp-Tender
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and just tender with a little crunch—around 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl so you can keep the skillet available for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in about two-thirds of the sliced scallions, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Let these cook gently for about 3 minutes until everything smells fragrant and soft but not browned. Then add your soy sauce to bring it all together.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet along with the sautéed broccoli, optional edamame, and toasted sesame seeds. Using tongs really helps toss everything evenly so every noodle is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. Warm through for a minute or two, and you're ready!
Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Divide the noodles into bowls and sprinkle on the reserved scallions for freshness. I adore topping mine with a perfectly fried egg or a soft-boiled egg—makes it feel extra special! If you love heat, drizzle a little chili oil on top.
Top Tip
From my kitchen experiments with this recipe, a few small tweaks make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Follow these tips to nail it every time:
- Don’t Overcook Your Broccoli: Keep it crisp-tender for that perfect bite; it adds freshness and contrast.
- Save Some Scallions for Garnish: Adds lovely color and a burst of fresh onion flavor at the end.
- Use Medium Heat for the Sauce: Cooking the garlic butter sauce too hot can burn the garlic, making the dish bitter.
- Adjust Chili to Your Taste: Start with less and add more later—you can always spice it up!
How to Serve Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of adding a fried egg because the runny yolk creates a luscious sauce that feels so indulgent. Besides scallions, toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness, and a drizzle of chili oil gives a nice punch. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime also brighten the dish beautifully if you want to switch things up.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, I often pair this with a simple cucumber salad or some quick pickled vegetables to add crunch and acidity. Lightly steamed dumplings or potstickers make a fun addition if you’re serving company.
Creative Ways to Present
When I want to impress friends, I serve the noodles in individual pretty bowls topped with vibrant scallion and chili oil swirls, paired with a soft-boiled egg halves garnished with sesame seeds. Layering contrasting textures and colors makes all the difference for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep noodles from sticking, sometimes I toss in a little extra oil before storing, which works wonders when reheating.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t my first choice for this dish since noodles can get mushy, it is possible. I recommend freezing the sauce and broccoli separately if you want better texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but watch the time carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While ramen or Pad Thai rice noodles are my go-tos for texture and quick cook time, you can try udon, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
The chili flakes and optional chili oil add a gentle to moderate heat depending on how much you use. I recommend starting with a smaller amount and adding more as you go to suit your spice tolerance.
Butter adds richness and depth, but you can substitute it with plant-based butter or coconut oil for a vegan version. Just be mindful that flavors will vary slightly, but it’s still delicious!
Tossing the noodles lightly with a bit of oil before storing helps them stay separate. Also, avoid tightly sealing the container right after cooking; letting the noodles cool slightly beforehand prevents excess moisture buildup.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it is such a satisfying, no-fuss meal that still tastes like you put in serious effort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s perfect for those nights you want comfort without complication—true kitchen magic in under 30 minutes!
Print
Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and quick 20 Minute Scallion Noodles featuring tender broccoli, flavorful garlic butter sauce, and a touch of chili spice, perfect for a simple weeknight meal topped with optional eggs and edamame.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 6 oz. dry ramen noodles or Pad Thai rice noodles
- 3 to 4 cups small broccoli florets (or 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms as substitute)
- 1 whole bunch green onions (scallions), trimmed and thinly sliced, divided
- ½ cup shelled edamame (optional for added protein)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- ¼ to ¾ tsp. chili flakes (or substitute with chili oil)
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (or 1 to 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil)
Optional Toppings
- Fried or soft-boiled eggs for serving
- Chili oil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and prepare noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Sauté the broccoli: Heat 1 Tbsp. of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté until crisp-tender, around 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a bowl and reduce heat to medium.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and the remaining 1 Tbsp. of oil along with two-thirds of the chopped scallions (reserve the rest for garnish), garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce to combine.
- Toss noodles with sauce and vegetables: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet along with the sautéed broccoli, edamame if using, and toasted sesame seeds. Use tongs to toss everything together until noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the scallion noodles into bowls. Top each serving with a fried or soft-boiled egg and garnish with the remaining chopped scallions. Drizzle with chili oil for an extra spicy kick, if desired.
Notes
- This dish is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Broccoli can be swapped with shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor.
- Use lower-sodium soy sauce to avoid overly salty noodles.
- Add edamame for additional protein and texture.
- To add more heat, adjust chili flakes to your taste or use chili oil as garnish.
- Serve with a soft-boiled or fried egg to enrich the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.33 cup
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 625 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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